THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  ILLINOIS 

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SOL: 

An  Epic  Poem. 


BY  REV.  HENRY  ILIOWIZI. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1882,  by 
Rev.  Henry  Iliowizi, 

In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  Washington,  D.  C. 


Tribune  Print,  Minneapolis. 


TO 

SIR  MOSES  MONTEFIORE 
THIS  POEM  IS  RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED. 

My  Dear  Sir Permit  me  to  associate  this  first  effort  of  my  pen  with 
your  world-renowned.,  beloved.,  and  revered  name.  The  heroine  of  my 
theme  was  horn  and  died  the  martyYs  death  in  that  very  land  whither., 
years  ago.,  you  proceeded  with  the  intention  of  ameliorating  the  painful 
condition  qf  your  suffering  brethren.  Since  you  are  known  to  the  world 
you  are  honored  as  the  true  God-inspired  Israelite.,  who  feels  the  woes 
and  the  wrongs  of  the  great  human  family  not  less  than  the  severe 
persecutions  of  his  own  people.  During  my  sojourn  in  Africa  I often 
heard  your  endeared  name  repeated  with  almost  as  much  reverence  and 
awe  as  that  of  our  first  great  Moses.  It  pleased  gracious  heaven  to 
grant  you  a blessed  past  of  a hundred  years ; and  I join  the  prayer  of 
grateful  myriads.,  who  beseech  the  Almighty  to  prolong  the  period  of 
your  earthly  existence.,  for  the  benefit  of  that  race  who  look  up  to  you  as 
a model  of  true  friendship,  pure  love,  profound  faith  and  universal 
charity.  With  deep  respect  and  gratitude,  1 beg  to  subscribe  myself. 

Your  most  obediedi  servant  and  humble  admirer, 

HENRY  ILIOWIZI. 

Minneapolis,  Minn.,  Sept.  1, 1883. 


678994 


PREFACE. 


During  my  residence  in  Tetuan,  Morocco,  I became 
acquainted  with  Sol’s  tragical  end,  which  furnished  me 
with  the  material  for  the  poem  I am  humbly  submitting  to 
the  consideration  of  a generous  public.  The  event  is  sub- 
stantially historical,  took  place  in  1834,. and  was,  before  me, 
treated  by  two  Spaniards,  who  celebrated  Sol’s  heroic  death, 
the  one  in  a little  history,  the  other  in  a drama.  I have  read 
both,  without,  however,  deriving  more  than  the  facts  narrated 
to  me  by  the  martyr’s  relatives  from  the  perusal,  the  produc- 
tions falling,  in  iny  judgment,  below  the  level  of  mediocrity. 
After  a thorough  acquaintance  with  all  the  details  of  the 
event  I resolved  to  shape  it  into  an  epic,  and  not  before 
long  years  of  assiduous  labor  was  my  resolve  realized. 

Deader,  this  work  is  a humble  effort  to  outline  the  ideas 
and  ideals,  the  aspirations,  traditions,  and  inspirations,  the 
sufferings,  sorrows,  the  doubts,  hopes,  and  the  faith  of  the 
most  peculiar  and  illustrious  race  that  ever  lived.  Who 
does  not  know  the  people  who  are  yet  practicing  the 
virtues  of  Abraham;  who  are  teaching  the  Law  of  Moses, 
blazoning  the  faith  and  lofty  principles  of  Jesiah,  reading 
the  language  of  David,  and  seeing  a son  born  in  their 
midst  extolled  and  worshipped  as  the  redeemer  of 
uncounted  millions  ? Yes,  Israel  lives,  notwithstanding  the 

iv 


PEEFACE. 


V 


massacres  of  Titus,  the  outrages  of  Antioclius,  the  untold 
racks  of  the  Torquemadas,  the  unrelenting  oppressions  and 
persecutions  of  nineteen  centuries,  and  the  hatred,  crimes, 
wrongs  and  prejudices  of  the  present! 

Nay,  surrounded  by  the  decaying  ruins  of  his  old 
enemies,  and  bearing  the  acrimony  of  those  peoples  whose 
mind  he  has  lifted  to  the  regions  of  light  and  hope,  Israel 
is  yet  claiming  the  priesthood  of  mankind;  and  the  sublime 
principles  of  universal  peace,  love,  and  brotherhood  once 
proclaimed  in  the  fiery  and  sacred  speech  of  his  heaven- 
exalted  prophets,  he  persists  in  spreading  in  every  living 
tongue  throughout  the  world  1 And  does  not  history  cry 
aloud:  “Wherefore  do  nations  rage,  and  peoples  meditate 
a vain  thing?  The  kings  of  the  earth  raise  themselves 
np,  and  the  rulers  take  counsel  together  against  the  Lord 
and  his  anointed!”  Hear,  enemies  of  Israel,  it  is  written 
in  the  book  of  fate,  and  the  genius  of  history  confirms  the 
irrevocable  decree,  that  mind  and  not  matter  is  ordained  to 
sway  the  highest  destinies  of  man!  And  Israel’s  vital, 
invulnerable  power  is  thought  blended  with  unshaken  faith 
in  the  ultimate  triumph  of  truth  over  falsehood,  of  light 
over  darkness ! 

And  now,  a word  about  the  plan  of  this  work.  It  is 
divided  into  nine  books,  each  styled  after  one  of  the 
“Immortal  Nine.”  The  duration  of  the  whole  action  is  con- 
fined to  fifteen  days.  The  stage  is  Morocco ; the  first  four 
books  acting  in  Tangier;  the  fifth  and  sixth  at  Garb 
Pliques,  a station  near  Fez;  and  the  last  three  books  in  Fez, 


VI 


PEEPACE. 


and  Lallall-Almina,  the  Shereef’s  beautiful  residence  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Fez.  With  the  exception  of  SoFs  indi- 
viduality the  other  prominent  actors,  especially  Elias  and 
Ben  Zion,  are  not  to  be  regarded  as  representing  individuals. 
The  scenes  of  heaven  and  hell  are  partly  based  on  Judaic 
mythology,  but  are  largely  original  in  their  nature.  May 
these  pages  find  unprejudiced  critics,  generous  and  judicious 
readers;  and  may  their  purport  teach  the  public  to  appre- 
ciate a race  whose  virtues  are  their  own,  but  whose  short- 
comings are  the  natural  product  of  a long,  dark,  and  painful 
history  for  which  the  Gentile  and  not  the  Jew  is  responsible. 

The  usual  indulgence  in  the  so-called  Ucence-poetique  is 
not  carried  to  extremes  in  this  work,  and  the  almost 
unavoidable  typographical  errors  will  be  removed  from  the 
second  edition. 

The  Authok. 


I. 

Besplendent  on  old  Africa’s  coast  sublime, 

On  yonder  shore  of  mild,  delicious  clime. 

Where  hoar  Atlantic  pours  his  limpid  main 
Betwixt  Morocco  and  degenerate  Spain, 

There  glares,  in  sight  of  Calpe’s  rocky  walls. 

The  dazzling  city  every  Moor  extols  ; 

Fair  Tangier  rich  in  mosques,  wealth,  and  forts. 

In  blooming  gardens  and  Oriental  sports. 

Her  brilliant  sight  arrests  the  seaman’s  gaze, 

For  in  the  sun  she  is  with  light  ablaze. 

And  seems  an  Eden  blest  with  Heaven’s  grace, 

The  best  of  cities  on  this  planet’s  face. 

And  not  in  vain  a people  boasting  cries  : 

She  is  the  finest  gem  beneath  the  skies  ! ” 

And  speak  of  Tangier  with  more  pomp  to-day 
Than  Kome  of  triumphs  under  Caesar’s  sway. 

A balmy  atmosphere  her  walls  surrounds  : 

The  choicest  fruit  spring  from  her  pleasure-grounds; 
The  golden  orange  here  and  citron  bloom. 

Here  live  the  warblers  of  the  shining  plume  ; 

Here  promenade  the  rich  on  hill,  in  vale 
The  eve’s  and  morrow’s  breezes  to  inhale. 

When  in  cool  solititud^  her  graces  rare 
To  fond  embraces  gives  the  Moorish  fair. 

But  ah,  can  savage  man  a power  wield 
And  with  his  power  helpless  Virtue  shield  ? 

I 

8 


Will  reptile  Envy,  mischievous  Unrest, 
Eelinquish  once  the  haunted  human  breast. 

And  let  the  mortal  with  his  brothers  live. 

In  peace  enjoy  what  him  the  earth  doth  give  ! 
And  Malice  rankling  in  the  baser  mind. 

Is  yet  a scourge  of  suffering  mankind. 

Though  loath’d  and  hunted  by  auspicious  times. 
It  finds  abode  in  dark,  barbaric  climes. 

The  Moor,  wild  sovereign  of  a Moslem  state. 

Is  taught  by  priests  the  infidels  to  hate. 

And,  in  his  cruel  impulse  resolute, 

Doth  with  their  gore  his  country’s  sod  pollute. 
Nor  innocence  nor  age  beyond  his  creed. 

Can  move  his  pity,  tame  his  beastly  greed  ; 

As  now  the  fate  of  Sol  wdl  prove  when  told  ; 
Sol,  beauteous  daughter  of  her  parents  old  ; 

Her  sire,  Hachuel,  in  humble  state. 

Her  mother,  Simha,  pious  and  elate. 

Like  men  they  bore  the  sorrows  Heaven  sent ; 
And  thus  recorded  is  the  sad  event. 


II. 

With  measured,  quiet  pace,  bespeaking  age. 
Descended  from  a sloping  lane  the  sage 
Elias,  grave  and  w^orthy  to  behold  ; 

Oriental  garments  did  his  frame  infold  ; 

Deep  lines  of  sorrow  furrowed  his  high  brow. 
His  grizzled  locks  now  white  began  to  grow  ; 
For  hard  vicissitudes  in  life  he  bore. 

He  sixteen  winters  counted  and  three  score. 
And  yet  majestic  was  his  carriage,  kind 
And  thoughtful  beam’d  his  eye,  as  if  his  mind 
A world  of  weighty  sentiments  concealed. 
Which  nev^r  he  to  any  soul  revealed. 

In  veneration  young  and  old  incline 


9 


To  honor  him,  the  foreign  sage  benign. 

By  land  and  sea  he  all  the  hardships  braved, 

And  for  the  poor  his  brethren’s  aid  he  craved  ; 
Jerusalem,  his  venerated  place. 

With  schools  and  hospitals  he  wished  to  grace  ; 

And  thus  for  years  he  pass’d  from  land  to  land. 

And  blessed  him  who  stretched  an  op'en  hand. 

But  now  before  an  oaken  door  he  halts, 

Which,  at  his  knock,  the  host  straightway  unbolts  ; 
The  door  fast  on  its  hinges  open  flies. 

And  humble  Hachuel,  astonished,  cries  : 

III. 

“Walk  in,  walk  in,  be  welcome  to  my  hearth. 

Thou  Heaven-exalted  wanderer  on  earth  ! 

Why,  who  would  hope  that  thou  wouldst  come  to  see 
My  humble  home,  and  stay  awhile  with  me  ! 

The  wealthy  folks  here  all  the  honors  claim. 

And  Hachuel  among  them  hath  no  name. 

Oh,  what  a power  wields  the  golden  coin 
That  whitens  offsprings  of  degraded  loin  ! 

But  silly  that  I am  ! Where  is  my  brain 
To  speak  to  thee  on  topics  so  profane  ! 

Thou  comest  from  Canaan;  there  is  a spell 
In  what  a lip  of  Canaan  can  tell ; 

For  who  would  not  of  sacred  mounts  and  vales 
Indulge  once  more  the  stirring,  wondrous  tales  ! 
There  lay  our  heroes,  prophets,  kings  entombed. 
Who,  during  life,  to  none  but  Heaven  succumbed  • 
And  of  our  Temple  there  the  ruins  bend 
Bemote,  alas  ! from  fervent  lip  and  hand  ! 

Oh  say,  how  Zion  looks,  how  looks  our  state 
Since  eighteen  hundred  years  disconsolate  ! 

Say,  is  it  true  that  on  some  days,  alas  ! ♦ 

The  jackals  do  athwart  the  ruins  pass. 


10 


Athwart  the  ruins  under  which  to-day 
The  pious  pilgrims  and  the  learned  pray  ? 

A painful  task  it  is  to  contemplate 

What  once  we  were  and  what  is  since  our  fate; 

And  yet  the  Hebrew  hopes  until  he  dies, 

His  fallen  greatness  nigh  the  Jordan  lies; 

Still  of  Jerusalem  our  poets  sing, 

From  sacred  soil  our  golden  fruit  must  spring.’^ 


IV. 

“I  like,  oh  Hachuel,’’  the  sage  replies, 

“ The  manly  soul  that  misery  defies. 

In  darkest  times  our  only  Lord  to  serve 
Doth  constitute  our  people’s  vital  nerve; 

Our  sires  taught  us  in  our  God  believe 
And  hospitably  strangers  to  receive; 

The  first  of  Hebrews  left  us  this  bequest. 

Who  in  his  tents  to  angels  gave  his  best. 

And  taught  the  lessons  of  a virtue  pure. 

The  nations’  scorn  with  patience  to  endure. 
And  hold  together  like  a valiant  band 
On  troubled  waters,  distant  from  the  land. 

A sympathetic  race  will  not  complain 
Whose  iron  bond  is  love’s  invisible  chain. 

And  Israel  united  in  distress 
Need  neither  weakness  nor  pale  fear  confess. 
Why  we  of  our ’inheritance  are  proud 
The  flying  generations  speak  aloud. 

When  frowning  millions  Israel  by  fear 
Would  force  their  molten  idols  to  revere. 

And  with  relentless  cruelty  a race 
Would  by  uncounted  calumnies  disgrace. 

Then  it  is  time  for  us  to  think  and  act 
As  champions  of  truth,  and  not  compact 
With  foes  who  dream  not  of  the  Avarrior’s  price 


11 


’'Vhen  higher  than  all  banners  ours  shall  rise ! 

As  yonder  glowing  stars  which  darkness  chase, 

And  in  their  spheres  revolve  through  boundless  space, 

So  light-diffusing  Israel  to  spread 

Pure  truth  beyond  the  Promised  Land  was  bred. 

Man’s  dignity  on  earth  uplifting  we, 

His  consciousness  evolving,  made  him  free. 

What  though  we  from  a world  benighted  earn 
Ingratitude  and  hatred  in  return; 

Titanic  blood  is  flowing  in  our  veins. 

Our  oldest  foes  a newer  time  disdains; 

Of  Babylon,  of  Greece,  and  Borne  of  old. 

Of  proud  Iberia  a tale  is  told; 

For  less  their  heirs  resemble  them  in  rule 
Than  doth  the  fiery  steed  the  clumsy  mule. 

Not  thus  do  we  a shabby  monument 
Of  rusty  splendor  useless  represent; 

In  tempest,  hail,  and  stern  adversity 
We  teach  frail*  man  his  highest  destiny. 

Not  changed  by  loss,  but  fortified  in  pain 
We  broke  the  darkest  jail  and  rent  the  chain 
Which  fettered  man  and  held  his  greatness  bound 
When  beasts  he  worshipp’d,  cringing  on  the  ground. 
Toward  heaven  he  now  turns  a longing  eye 
And  feels  that  heavenly  spirits  never  die. 

That  all  the  worlds  our  only  God  did  make. 

And  all  the  mounts  a passing  breath  may  shake. 

That  is  our  pride,  the  glory  we  extol. 

Why  none  can  say  that  Israel  did  fall. 

With  inmost  fervor  Canaan  we  love. 

But  more  the  One,  who  rules  supreme  above !” 

V. 

With  open  mouth  brave  Hachuel  amazed, 

Inspired,  at  the  wise  Elias  gazed, 


12 


Who,  though  adherent  lived  to  olden  rite, 

The  Scriptures  could  and  bulky  Talmud  cite, 

Yet  highly  rated  what  the  progress  gave 

And  marched  abreast  with  searching  spirits,  save 

The  irreligious  crowd  of  younglings  bold. 

Who  flagrant  lack  of  heart  and  soul  unfold. 

And  in  their  self-conceited,  shallow  mind 
Create  a universe  with  naught  behind, 

An  awful,  grand,  immense  infinity 
With  glorious  works — ^but  no  Divinity  ! 

Now  of  his  mission  wise  Elias  thought. 

And  how  to  gain  his  visit’s  end  he  sought ; 

For  longer  he  from  parents  could  not  hide 
That  he  their  daughter  came  to  make  the  bride 
Of  Kazan’s  heir,  Ben  Zion,  young  and  brave 
And  earnest  in  his  thoughts,  for  youth  too  grave. 
The  messenger  at  length  to  speak  prepares. 

And  in  his  mind  the  wooing  he  declares  ; 

But  Hachuel  the  word  hath  now  in  course 
And  humbly  thus  re-opens  his  discourse. 

VI. 

“Deep  faith  and  wisdom  do  thy  soul  inspire 
And  touch  thy  lip  with  ardent,  sacred  fire 
Inflaming  every  feeling  heart  and  mind 
With  sentiments  and  thoughts  of  highest  kind  ; 
My  sluggish  sense  can  scarce  in  full  conceive 
Of  mental  food  a soul  like  thine  can  give. 

I hear  thy  speech  and  feel  its  potent  might. 

But  fail  to  share  in  thy  celestial  flight ; 

For  deep  and  high  as  if  our  prophets  hoar 
Their  inspirations  uttered  at  this  hour  ; 

As  if  our  sacred  oracles  of  old 

The  future’s  hidden  course  to  us  unroll’d. 

So  rings  thy  godly  speech  within  my  ear, 


13 


Awaking  swelling  pride  and  pious  fear. 

It  must  be  true,  since  all  the  sages  urge 
That  suffering  doth  the  human  mettle  purge  ; 
And  who  would  not  adore  the  Lord  of  Grace 
Who  blunts  the  arrows  le veil’d  at  our  race, 

And  lets  our  foes  their  powder  vainly  waste, 

The  Hebrew  still  of  earthly  sweetness  taste  ! 
Oppress’d  abroad  we  yet  in  our  retread 
A faithful  wife  and  loving  children  meet ; 

The  crowned  monarch  of  a vast  domain 
For  such  devotion  seeks  and  thirsts  in  vain. 

My  wife’s  attachment  and  my  children’s  first 
Do  more  than  thrones  to  quench  affection’s  thirst. 
For  Issachar,  my  boy,  and  Sol  combine 
To  render  hopeful,  sweet  our  days’  decline. 
Auspicious  Heaven  protect  my  pretty  two. 

And  Fortune’s  favors  I shall  never  woo; 

In  her  selection  my  dear  daughter  guide, 

A worthy  youth  may  her  soon  make  his  bride  ! 
And  he  will  come,  I know,  to  build  Sol’s  hearth, 
As  was  ordain’d  above  before  their  birth  ! ” 

VII. 

Meanwhile  remote  from  sight,  behind  a screen 
The  women  list  and  smile,  themselves  unseen. 
The  decent  custom  bids  them  keep  aloof 
From  stranger’s  gaze,  even  beneath  their  roof. 
■Sol  doth  the  linen  for  the  Sabbath  mend, 

Simha  the  meal  prepares  with  careful  hand. 
While  both  from  time  to  time  a look  exchange 
And  smile  again,  as  if  to  say:  how  strange  ! 

Not  eighteen  Mays  the  maiden  saw  return. 
Enchanting  fire  in  her  glance  did  burn  ; 

In  all  the  town,  they  said,  that  she  alone 
Did  equal  Hebe  just  hewn  of  marble  stone ; 


14 


A lovely  stature  poets  to  inspire 
With  enthusiastic  flame,  celestial  fire. 

There  stood  the  maiden,  every  youth  she  spelled, 
Her  virgin  bosom  womanly  outswelled ; 

Her  eye  was  dark,  her  neck  was  snowy  white, 

Her  cheek  was  rose,  her  plaits  were  black  as  night; 
She  stood  and  heard  with  concentrated  brain 
The  sage  discourse,  for  thus  he  spoke  again : 

VIII. 

I praise  thy  fatherly  resolve,  oh  friend. 

Thy  daughter  to  entrust  a manly  hand, 

A worthy  youth,  who  willing  is  to  find 
Felicity  in  Sobs  devoted  mind. 

In  virtue  praised  to  me  before  I twice 
Within  this  place  the  sun  have  seen  arise. 

The  minstrel,  bard,  and  thinker  do  combine 
To  celebrate  that  period  divine 
Of  bridal  happiness  on  man  bestow’d 
By  all-embracing,  loving,  gracious  God; 

A song  endeared  to  every  age  and  time. 

In  every  tongue  construed  in  verse  and  rhyme, 

Is  love,  the  bridegroom  and  the  winsome  bride. 
Whose  blush  betrays  the  flames  her  passions  hide. 
Long  after  youthful  days  do  like  a dream 
In  face  of  coarser  life  to  mortals  seem. 

Who  doth  the  hidden,  sunny,  flowery  ways 
He  trod  with  her  not  in  his  thought  retrace. 

With  her,  his  dearest  in  whose  flashing  eyes 
He  saw  the  image  of  the  mirror’d  skies ; 

And  in  her  soft  embrace,  her  look,  her  kiss, 

He  found  a world’s  eternity  of  bliss. 

Of  Heaven’s  treasures,  love,  the  choicest  price. 
Perfumes  the  earth,  a flower  of  Paradise. 

How  woman  could  all  lurking  dangers  brave, 


15 


Without  her  man,  her  emperor  and  slave; 

How  man,  by  troubles,  thoughts  and  cares  pursued 
Could  overwhelming  sufferance  elude, 

Without  the  fondness  of  a faithful  breast, 

A home,  a smiling  face,  an  isle  of  rest, 

The  widow  and  the  wifeless  know  the  best. 

Yet  not  on  comfort  must  we  lay  all  stress, 

A gift  that  giver  and  receiver  bless, 

But  through  that  generative  sacred  tie 
The  names  and  generations  never  die; 

A second  youth  such  people  live  and  taste 
Who  not  unmarried  all  their  years  do  waste ; 

And  when  to  Heaven  they  yield  up  their  breath 
And  paling,  quivering,  close  their  eyes  in  death; 
When  fell  decomposition  melts  their  frame, 
God-fearing  parents  have  a lasting  name; 

For  nor  the  virtuous  deed*,  nor  fame  is  past, 

The  flesh  alone  is  turning  unto  dust. 

Thus  hark,  my  errand’s  purport  and  decide 
If  Sol,  thy  daughter,  be  the  happy  bride 
Of  Hazan’s  heir,  Ben  Zion,  known  to  thee 
Since  day  of  birth  and  early  infancy. 

This  learned  youth,  esteemed  by  everyone. 

Since  weeks  and  moons  doth  feel  himself  alone; 

His  peace  of  mind,  his  rest,  his  sleep  are  gone. 

He  for  thy  Sol  a tender  love  conceived 
But  chose  to  see  his  anxious  father  grieved. 

Who  vainly  tried  his  son  to  penetrate. 

To  know  his  ills,  and  cure  at  any  rate. 

He  would  not  speak,  the  proud,  and  parted  hence 
But  soon  subdued  by  passion’s  vehemence, 

He  left  the  hill,  the  dale,  the  wood,  the  grove. 

And,  coming  back,  at  length,  confessed  his  love. 
Thou  knowest  well,  what  Hazan  hath  and  earns 
To  him  belongs,  who  for  thy  daughter  yearns. 

16 


Speak  forth  thy  will  and  straight  I shall  be  hence, 
Against  my  wish  I keep  them  in  suspense ! ” 

And  Hachuel  his  oily  snuff-box  shakes, 

He  snuffs  a pinch,  and  speedy  answer  makes. 


IX. 


“ Of  wealth  I cannot  boast  and  rate  the  old 
Kazan  much  more  for  manliness  than  gold. 

In  all  his  dealings  he  commands  esteem, 

I would  the  son  would  half  as  noble  seem, 

Would  like  his  father  jealousy  arouse 
By  lodging  learned  guests  within  his  house, 

And  with  his  open  purse  upon  the  streets 
Alleviate  the  neediness  he  meets. 

How  do  I honor  that  respected  man 

Whose  heart  would  give  more  than  his  treasures  can 

Who  loves  the  stranger  and  the  poor  that  come. 

And  craves  their  blessings  for  his  blessed  home! 

To  see  my  daughter  his  Ben  Zion^s  wife 
Would  be  the  pride,  the  glory  of  my  life. 

If  for  his  son  I truly  could  confess 
The  same  regard  his  father  doth  possess. 

The  youth  is  not  the  one  he  was  before 
He  shunn’d  the  Scriptures  and  the  Talmud’s  lore; 
Before  he  landed  on  a British  shore. 

A tender  sapling  yet  at  break  of  day. 

He  ran  to  school  to  read  the  Law  and  pray ; 

Nor  rain,  nor  tempest  could  his  zeal  abate. 

The  boy  had  rather  died  than  come  too  late. 

Or  miss  a lesson  or  a chance  to  learn, 

Or  lose  the  praise  the  child  was  prone  to  earn. 

‘What  could  he  study  here?  ’ then  said  Hazan, 

‘ I mean  to  make  a scholar  of  my  son; 

In  London,  there  the  perfect  masters  will 


2 


17 


Ben  Zion’s  head  with  soundest  wisdom  fill.’ 

Nine  years  he  heard  within  some  institute 
What  many  say  and  others  do  refute, 

And  shared,  perchance,  himself  in  the  dispute. 
Enough,  ‘ He  comes,  he  comes,  is  here ! ’ we  heard. 
And  to  receive  him  friendly  we  prepared. 

The  vessel  lands ; we  run,  we  would  aboard, 

But  gaze  astounded  at — a British  lord. 

That  was  no  Hebrew  with  a haughty  look 
Who  round  him  had  no  Jewish  prayer  book! 

He  wore  no  beard  to  grace  his  manly  chin. 

He  brought  with  him  a fearful,  huge  machine, 

A pile  of  works  of  heathen  origin. 

With  foreign  wisdom  and  in  foreign  guise 
His  humble  friends  he  scarce  did  recoguize; 

For  when  at  home,  he  met  the  hearty  throng 
With  lordly  nods,  and  spoke  to  them  a tongue 
In  all  this  realm  but  known  to  very  few ; 

In  short,  Ben  Zion  is  a lord,  no  Jew, 

Thus  why  doth  he  a Hebrew  maiden  woo  ? 

I oft  observ’d  him  in  the  dead  of  night. 

When  clear  the  welkin  and  the  moon  was  bright, 
Upon  his  terrace  with  his  instrument. 

The  pointed  glass  toward  the  heavens  bent. 

As  if  the  orbs  he  stealthily  adored 

Or  some  new  wonders  in  their  midst  explored. 

I know,  I know,  he  never,  never  prays 
When  at  the  synagogue  on  Saturdays 
He  dreaming  near  his  parent  seats  and  looks 
As  one  who  clowns  Avith  godly  patience  brooks. 
All  this  cannot  my  soul  with  love  inspire. 

He  will  not  me,  I cannot  him  admire. 

Moreover,  thou  art  here  my  Sol  to  woo. 

He  loves  her?  well!  but  she  must  love  him  too. 

I shall  not  thwart  his  wish  nor  speak  behind; 


18 


What  thou  didst  hear 'came  from  my  inmost  mind. 
Should  Sol  consent  Ben  Zion’s  wife  to  be, 

I shall  my  blessing  give,  my  child  is  free. 

Simha  will  glory  in  her  daughter’s  spell, 

A precious  dowry  is  our  virtuous  girl.” 

This  answer  wise  Elias  satisfies, 

He  takes  the  word,  and  smiling,  thus  replies : 

X. 

‘‘  Our  friends  will  learn  these  tidings  with  delight. 

Of  thee  I take  thy  friendship’s  truest  plight. 

Though  all  thou  giv’st  not  what  thou  both  canst  give 
Ben  Zion’s  nature  thou  dost  misconceive. 

Love  will  thy  daughter  with  respect  inspire. 

Of  what,  good  man,  thou  know’sfc  not  to  admire. 

As  proves  thy  censure’s  rigorous  extreme 
I chastise  not  thy  sentiment,  thy  theme; 

An  honest  motive  underlies  thy  speech. 

Yet  do  not  quickly  judge,  I must  beseech. 

Of  troubled  rivers  by  their  devious  course. 

Until,  ascending  to  the  distant  source. 

And  following  their  waters  to  the  main. 

Thou  seest  them  winding  through  a verdant  plain, 
Though  pebbled  banks  and  wooded  hill  beside — 

And  yet  not  mirror  heavens  in  their  tide. 

Wilt  thou,  perhaps,  with  wind  of  lungs  control 
The  sweeping  cataract’s  prodigious  fall. 

Or  tame  the  foaming  oceans  when  they  boil 
By  flinging  on  the  waves  a pot  of  oil  ? 

Even  the  mighty  emperors  and  kings. 

When  daring  to  confront  unearthly  things. 

What  Providence  ordains  and  nature  brings. 

Are  swept  away,  like  chaff  in  stormy  climes. 

By  striving  ages.  Spirit  of  the  Times ! 

Believing  that  below  progressive  change 


19 


Did  never  human  happiness  derange; 

That  Heaven’s  will  is  manifest  in  all 
Which  daily  happens  on  this  changeful  ball,. 

I humbly  bow  before  the  great  Supreme, 
Avoiding  ways  which  seem  to  me  extreme. 

A thoughtful  youth  I many  times  prefer 
To  empty  heads  one  meets  here  everywhere; 

To  such  as  pray  and  in  the  prayer  shout, 

In  gross,  blasphemous  nonsense  never  doubt ; 
To  such  as  neither  read,  nor  speak,  nor  write ; 

Is  that  thy  model  J ew,  thy  Israelite  ? 

Thought  chains  a million  minds  by  magic  links, 
Ben  Zion  with  so  many  thinkers  think; 

And,  though  of  Hebrew  loyalty  throughout. 

He  gropes  entangled  in  the  maze  of  doubt. 
Bright  Truth  to  view,  disrobed  of  her  disguise,. 
Is  his  endeavor,  his  bold  enterprise ; 

And  on  the  darksome  pathway  he  doth  run. 

He  shall  the  dawn  behold,  see  rise  his  sun. 

But  even  now  he  is  a man  indeed, 

Within  the  precincts  of  our  lofty  creed.” 


With  decent  haste  the  messenger  departs 
To  bring  sweet  hope  to  palpitating  hearts; 
Behind  him  follows  to  the  door  the  host. 

Till  where  the  horse-shoe  nail’d  is  to  the  post 
Beside  the  entrance  as  an  amulet 
To  scare  the  evil-ones  who  dread  this  net. 

Now  Sol  and  mother  from  retreat  appear, 

Simha  resolved  straightway  to  interfere 
And  give  the  old  the  censure  he  deserves. 

The  old  whose  raving  madness  thrill’d  her  nerves 
When  him  she  heard  in  stupid  strains  descant. 
Disheartening  the  honor’d  sage  who  went, 


20 


She  feared,  not  sure  if  Haim  Hachuel 
Would  to  Ben  Zion  fainly  give  his  belle. 

But  oh  Joy!  sweet  stimulent  of  human  peace, 
How  at  thy  smile  all  mortal  woes  decrease ! 

How  want  and  anger,  wrath  and  vengeance  flee 
From  joyous  bosoms  for  a second  free 
From  earthly  sorrows  rich  in  every  form. 

That  rise  like  billows  hurled  by  the  storm ! 

She  could  not  blame,  but  stood  there  in  a trance, 
Contentment  shone  upon  her  countenance; 

Fair  Sol,  a blooming  angel  of  the  sky. 

Beside  her  mother  stood  with  downcast  eye. 

She  first  the  stately  youth  by  chance  alone 
Did  striding  see  at  early  break  of  dawn, 

And  pass  their  dwelling  in  the  dusty  lane 
With  hasty  pace  toward  the  hazy  main; 

And  last  she  saw  him  in  the  sacred  fane 
On  Sabbath  there  among  a motley  crowd 
Who  congregate  to  sing  and  read  aloud. 

All,  save  the  young  Hazan,  who  moved  no  tongue, 
W"ho  lik’d  Apollo  midst  a shepherd  throng. 

In  pensive  muteness  yon  the  dreamer  sate 
Till  there  his  gaze  was  fix’d  where  separate 
The  Hebrew  mothers  with  their  daughters  pray’d. 
And  lo  I “ He  looks  at  us  I ” some  voices  said, 

“ At  thee,  Sol;  thee  he  scans,  the  British  lord!  ” 
But  flashing  Sol  no  answer  made,  no  word. 

“ At  me  he  looks,  that  youthful  knight,  oh  bliss. 
Could  he  love  silly  Sol,  a man  like  this ! 

He  coming  from  the  realms  where  every  girl 
By  beauty,  grace  of  manners  knows  to  spell 
The  gentleman  she  speculates  to  win, 

Shall  with  a thing  like  me  his  love  begin ! 

As  well  might  eagle  court  the  common  dove, 

The  falcon  fall  with  chink-hid  bats  in  love. 


21 


As  young  Hazan  behold  me  by  his  side, 

The  wisest  bridegroom  love  the  silliest  bride!’" 

So  in  her  fancy  pond’red  beauteous  Sol; 

Did  ever  Innocence  herself  extol  ? 

Or  Virtue  treasured  in  man’s  holy  shrine, 

His  heart,  did  ever  guess  her  worth  divine  ? 

Both,  like  the  nightingale’s  sweet  melody. 

Are  to  themselves  and  world  a mystery. 

XII. 

Why  are  ye  silent  happy  dame  and  maid, 

Though  both  you  know  what  sage  and  sire  said  ? 
Where  take  the  word,  alas!  when  on  the  brow 
Is  WTitten  how  the  soul  doth  overflow 
With  soft  felicity,  emotions  deep 
That  in  the  heart’s  recesses  ever  sleep 
Till  Zephyr’s  gales  fierce  Aquilon  replace. 

Till  icy  sorrows  melt  in  sunny  rays. 

And  in  the  bosom’s  depth  wake  yonder  chord 
To  which  the  bard  may  scarce  impart  the  word ; 
Then  thrills  sweet  joy,  yet  not  unmixed  with  fear 
And  awe,  then  speaks  the  eye,  then  flows  the  tear. 
Such  is  your  mood,  transported,  grateful  pair. 
Your  tears  are  not  the  weeping  of  despair 
Which  dulls  the  sight  and  fades  the  lovely  cheek,. 
Your  lips  are  silent,  for  your  souls  do  speak ! 

XIII. 

A gentle,  fond  embrace  around  her  frame 
With  loving  arms  at  once  returns  the  dame; 

Once  she  the  graces  wore  her  daughter  wears. 

Now  stale  and  wither’d,  though  not  deep  in  years;. 
For  with  her  wants  her  state  did  not  agree. 

She  strove  a victim  of  gaunt  poverty. 

But  unpathetic  to  the  sire  seems 


^2 


The  grave  concern,  and  sober  reason  deems 
He  would  be  more  in  time  and  place.  “ Why  tears?” 
He  cries,  “instead  of  thought,  while  the  hour  nears 
When  they  needs  come  the  sacred  knot  to  tie ; 

Are  both  you  ready  for  a short  reply  ? 

Thou,  mother,  hast  a voice  and  may’st  decide 
If  with  Hazan’s  thy  wishes  coincide ; 

Nor  shall  oui;  daughter  yield  to  any  might. 

Except  her  love;  to  force  we  have  no  right. 

Our  Sol  shall  candidly  to  mother  state 
If  she  Ben  Zion’s  love  reciprocate!” 

XIV. 

“ How  inconsiderate  art  thou,  oh  man,” 

Simha  did  wipe  her  eyes  and  thus  began, 

“ How  inconsiderate  art  thou  when  such 
An  offer  fails  thy  father’s  pride  to  touch. 

When  thou  canst  let  the  learned  sage  depart 
And  not  convey  the  willingness  of  heart 
To  call  that  wealthy  youth  thy  son-in-law, 

Whose  wisdom,  fame  and  fortunes  daily  grow ! 

Or  wouldst  thou  rather  choose  a man  of  need 
Who  hath  but  piety  his  wife  to  feed  ? 

A life-long  neediness  thy  wife  doth  train, 

Who  knows  what  love  and  piety  may  gain ; 

What  pang  it  is  to  have  no  bread  secure. 

The  winter’s  cold  and  summer’s  heat  endure ; 

And  if  such  griefs  my  daughter  I can  spare, 

I shall  my  best  attempt,  this  I declare  1 
Man’s  destiny  is  sweet  in  every  sense. 

Compared  with  woman’s,  ev’n  in  affluence. 

What  know  you  men  of  all  the  female  throes — 

Of  birth,  her  countless  ills,  her  endless  woes, — 

Which  render  life  a long-protracted  groan 
To  us,  poor  mothers,  creatures  to  bemoan. 


23 


And  count  not  ’mong  the  unessential  things 
Lean  penury’s  tornientful  visitings. 

Our  home’s  protector  worried  with  the  cares 
Of  life’s  oppressive  heaviness  he  bears, 

How  painful  him  to  see  from  work  return 
And  not  enough  for  bread  and  pottage  earn  ; 
Enough  to  lull  by  a substantial  meal, 

One’s  craving  appetite,  the  child’s  appeal! 

And  thou  wouldst  with  an  unrepining  sense 
Our  girl  deliver  to  pale  indigence? 

Encirle  her  with  rags,  and  want,  and  mire, 

Make  her  the  slave  ol;  some  confounded  sire  ? 

Oh  no,  this  will  not  be,  this  must  not  be 
So  long  as  I can  work  the  contrary ! 

Besides,  if  what  of  distant  lands  tiiey  say 
Be  true,  and  there  the  Hebrew  like  the  Oentile  may 
His  worshipful  religiousness  display. 

Protected  by  the  law  and  human  right. 

Defying  the  fanatic’s  wrathful  sight; 

Then,  following  our  children’s  wake,  we  might 
On  foreign  soil,  in  mild  propitious  climes 
Yet  see  some  brighter  days  and  cheerful  times. 
What  makes  the  stranger  visiting  our  coast 
Regard  the  wealthiest  of  us,  who  boast 
Of  treasures,  mansions,  gardens,  fields,  and  cattle. 
As  meaner  beings  made  of  baser  mettle? 

’Tis  not  the  flesh,  the  blood,  the  garb  and  frame 
Which  lend  them  noble  dignity  and  name. 

Ben  Zion’s  change  of  garb  imposed  none 
If  outward  change  would  be  the  only  one 
For  all  his  other  follies  to  atone; 

But  in  his  features  the  untaught  and  taught 
May  read  the  daring  battles  he  hath  fought 
With  powers  we  most  probably  ignore. 

With  gods  or  demons  multitudes  adore. 


24 


He  studies  not  the  curious  to  delude, 

IfVho  penetrate  into  his  solitude. 

His  faith,  his  thoughts  and  arguments  to  sound. 
And  then  to  whisper  them  to  all  around : 

He  doth  not  pray,  he  studies  in  his  cage. 

He  doth  not  pray,  but  oh,  he  is  a sage ! ’ 

If  wisdom  irreligion  spreads  and  doubt. 

Why  wisdom’s  light  maintain  ? why,  put  it  out ! 
The  savage  Moor  then  all  the  world  may  beat. 
Since  none  in  ignorance  can  him  defeat. 

And  he  is  right  in  hating  all  the  Jews 
And  infidels  who  would  not  hold  his  views. 

Why  imitate  our  heartless  bitter  foes 
Whose  cureless  ignorance  prolongs  our  woes? 
The  noble  deeds  and  not  the  prayers  reach 
The  highest  Throne,  our  ancient  doctors  teach; 
And  is  not  he  the  highest  heavens  nigh 
Who  Innocence  and  Virtue  values  high? 

Could  he  not,  gifted  with  uncommon  sense. 

Be  led  in  faith  by  Sol’s  mild  influence? 

How  many  youths  impious,  aberrate, 

Through  wives  became  religiously  elate! — 

And  now,  my  girl,  if  dear  thy  mother’s  peace 
Be  to  thy  soul,  from  anxiousness  release 
My  troubled  mind;  thou  must  my  warning  heed; 
Why  love  a woman  foreign  to  thy  creed? 

Canst  thou  a Moorish,  cunning  dame  embrace 
Who  neither  thee  can  love  nor  like  thy  race? 
Abandon  Thara,  child,  do  not  defer, 

I trust  this  female  not,  abandon  her  1 ” 

XV. 

As  when  an  orchestra  of  brazen  tone 

Allows  a solo-playing  clarion 

Or  flute  to  send  in  soft  sonorous  strains 


25 


A thrilling  sweetness  through  the  hearer’s  veins, 
Who  listens  mute  with  ecstasy  and  pains, 
Emotions  vented  in  a wave  of  sighs, 

A stream  of  earthly  pangs  and  bliss  of  skies ; 

So  after  both  her  parents  roughly  spoke, 

Their  sweetest  Sol  at  last  her  silence  broke. 

XVI. 

“If  for  my  love  to  you,  oh  parents  dear, 

I could  imperishable  structures  rear, 

How  poor  would  then  the  pyramids  appear ! 

Or  if  the  poet’s  power  would  be  mine, 

And  with  it  I could  melody  combine 
Oh  what  celestial  ravishment  would  I 
Evoke  by  such  Elysian  symphony! 

To  make  your  will  my  compass,  this  I know. 
Completes  my  highest  duty  here  below; 

For  what  I am  and  have  to  you  I owe. 

Thy  sorrows,  mother,  joys  and  wants  I share. 

To  stir  without  thy  will  I would  not  dare ; 

I am  a branch,  a tender  twig  of  thee, 

That  greens  and  blooms,  or  withers  with  the  tree. 
Command,  I bow,  I sink  and  am  no  more. 

As  true  as  I the  One  for  thee  implore. 

And  father,  who  with  thee  my  love  divides, 

By  loving  hints  my  moral  conduct  guides. 
Submissively  I thus  my  friendship  break 
With  Thara  de  Mesmudi  for  your  sake. 

Though  lovingly  she  treats  your  Sol  of  late. 

And  I her  heartiness  do  emulate. 

She  cannot  well  behold  the  sun  descend 
Without  embracing  me,  her  dearest  friend; 

And  oft  for  hours  the  woman  at  her  door 
Awaited  me,  there  sitting  on  the  floor. 

And  gladness  I could  on  her  visage  read 


26 


At  my  approach,  who  am  not  of  her  creed. 

As  many  Moorish  females  she  is  rude 
In  look  and  manner,  not  in  rectitude. 

That  she  to  other  rites  than  ours  adheres. 

Is  due  to  faith  and  parents  she  reveres. 

To  trust  and  habit  with  the  milk  imbued 
Of  loving  mothers;  affection  thus  subdued 
Her  soul  to  them,  who  on  this  groanful  earth 
Gave  love  and  bread  and  garments  her  and  birth. 

On  me  she  never  forced  her  own  belief, 

Convinced,  this  would  make  my  attachment  brief; 

A cautious  step  shall  now  our  friendship  end; 

It  is  your  will,  I sever  from  my  friend.” 

XVII. 

Concluding  thus  her  filial  speech  she  bows 
And  gently  kisses  both  her  parent’s  brows; 

The  sire  now  doth  pray  in  whispering  voice. 

A pinch  of  snuff  upshoots  with  startling  noise ; 

He  in  a corner  stands  with  closed  eyes. 

And  for  his  house  and  race  implores  the  skies. 

The  orb  of  day  now  sends  his  parting  beam 
Athwart  the  room,  where  silence  rules  supreme. 

But  hark ! Who  knocks  there  at  the  door  without  ? 
The  door  doth  swing,  there  is  a rush,  a shout 
Of  joy;  Elias  and  three  elders  stand 
With  pen  and  ink  and  paper  in  their  hand. 

While  costly  presents  there  upon  a tray 
Bespeak  the  joyance  of  the  festive  day. 

The  parties  straight  the  document  to  sign 
Do  set  their  hand — their  offspring  to  combine; 

With  goblets  filTd  they  all  expression  give 

To  vows ; they  cry : “ The  bride  and  bridegroom  live ! 


27 


T. 


Now  had  Apoll  his  radiant  look  and  cheer 
Since  hours  withdrawn  from  all  a hemisphere, 

And  left  reposing  nations  dreaming  taste 
Of  all  the  tempting  fruits  they  in  the  haste 
Of  life  are  hunting  for;  as  in  the  waste 
The  thirsty  pilgrim  searcheth  for  a spring 
And,  having  found  it,  deems  himself  a king. 
Mysteriously  within  the  skyey  heights 
From  space  unmeasured  solemnly  hoar  Night’s, 
All-seeing  sentinel  sent  forth  in  streams 
A magic  flood  of  soft  and  silvery  beams, 

Which,  ghostly  though,  did  mind  and  body  brace 
And  continents  with  wondrous  lustre  grace. 

Above  the  ocean’s  mirror  rose  a maze. 

An  endless,  swelling  bulk  of  creeping  haze 
Which,  like  an  airy  alp,  did  spreading  creep, 

And  wrap  the  city’s  suburbs  hush’d  in  sleep ; 

And  veil’d  the  markets,  yards,  the  pathways,  lanes. 
And  dimm’d  the  moon  lit  hills,  the  meads,  the  plains ; 
Thus  hiding  triple  Hecate  in  her  round 
She  nightly  makes  the  sleeping  to  confound. 

Yet  one,  besides  the  Muezzin  who  sat 
There  wakeful  on  the  mosque’s  minaret 
To  call  the  faithful  in  a stirring  voice. 

Which  rings  through  night  like  some  unearthly  noise 


30 


The  faithful  who  from  infancy  are  bred 
To  worship  Allah  as  Mohammed  said; 

Yet  one  upon  a terrace  stood  alone, 

A stalwart  figure,  that  was  Ben  Zion. 

A telescope  in  hand  with  eager  sight 
He  seems  to  penetrate  the  starry  height ; 

But  skimming  cloudlets  just  the  search  disturb. 
His  eye  is  turned  to  that  globe  superb. 

Which  rolls  her  way  across  the  azure’s  blue; 

This  globe  of  magic  charms  and  ghastly  hue 
Now  shines  upon  his  visage  deadly  white. 

And  makes  him  look  a restless  ghost  of  night. 
Who  through  his  coffin  breaks  and  vaulted  grave. 
And  of  some  inward  agony  doth  rave ; 

Or  like  the  homeless  wandering  genii 
As  they  are  often  seen  in  Barbary 
In  crowds,  deserted  forts  and  mansions  haunt. 
Gesticulating  their  adventures  vaunt; 

Or  ofttimes  one  abandon’d  gloomy  elf, 

The  Bedouins  hear,  discussing  with  himself; 

So  would  perchance  to  Moorish  eye  appear 
Ben  Zion  if  they  him  alone  could  hear 
At  midnight  gazing  at  the  shining  moon 
And  thus  in  earnest  with  himself  commune. 

II. 

“Again  with  mild  solemnity  thy  beam 
Descends  upon  a continent  in  dream. 

And  longings  indefinable  awake 
In  this  my  breast,  vibrating  chords  that  shake 
My  manhood  to  its  basement’s  deepest  frame. 
And  tears  would  flow — oh  were  it  not  a shame! 
Ah,  not  this  eve  alone  thy  healing  light. 

Oh  moon,  doth  burst  upon  the  mortal’s  sight. 

But  on  my  oldest  sires’  infant  days 


31 


With  such  profusion  fell  thy  glorious  rays; 

On  empires  fallen,  generations  past 
Thou  ever  didst  thy  hazy  radiance  cast ! 

What  withers  not  beneath  thy  changeful  ray! 

The  smiling  and  the  weeping  pass  away 
And,  as  yon  sailing  cloudlets,  leave  no, trace 
To  tell,  here  bled  a soul,  here  wept  a race ! 

How  soon  the  babe  a youth,  the  youth  a man 
Who,  grappling  with  a cruel  fate,  doth  wan 
And  gray,  and  dry,  yet  drying  never  think 
That  he  anon  may  disappointed  sink. 

And  wither  this  eternal  flight  of  things 
Which  sweeps  along  the  potentates  and  kings. 
The  tyrant,  upstart  and  the  sage  benign, 

The  pious,  atheist,  and  the  divine  ? 

Where  are  the  great,  who  held  the  world  in  awe 
By  sword,  by  reason,  sentiment  and  law  ? 
Bepraised  by  some,  maligned  by  other  fools 
They  are  paraded  in  the  village  schools 
As  warning  terrors  or  instructive  tools ; 

So  do  physicians  lifeless  frames  dissect 
To  teach  distempers  which  the  flesh  affect ; 

Such  is,  immortals,  your  eternal  fame. 

Among  the  school-boys  glorious  is  your  name  1 
What  consolation  may  a mind  derive 
From  theories  extant  when  he  doth  dive 
To  fathom  yonder  bottomless,  dark  sea 
Of  human  make,  renown  philosophy. 

And  thence,  instead  of  precious  pearls  and  gems„ 
Material  brings  for  thorny  diadems. 

And  shapes  a crown  reflecting  all  convictions, 

A shade  of  truth  and  thousand  contradictions, 

A mystic  sun  encircled  by  a night, 

A universe  of  darkness  made  and  light  1 
Unbounded  runs  the  past,  a dreary,  dark 


32 


And  shoreless  main  with  death  on  it,  the  shark, 

Who  lives  on  all  and  that  fraternity 
That  gropes  and  struggles  through  eternity, 

A chasiDg  host  who  on  each  other  feed 

And  glut  their  vengeance,  envy,  or  their  greed ! 

Oh  had  but  man  to  tame  himself  the  sense 
He  would  reduce  his  agonies  intense. 

And  spare  himself  and  kindred  all  the  pangs 
Inflicted  by  insatiate  Mammon’s  fangs ! 

We  boast  of  progress  anciently  ignored, 

What  happy  regions  have  our  times  explored  ? 

If  they  of  yore  no  steam  used  to  convey 

Their  loads,  nor  through  thb  wires  aught  could  say, 

Are  we,  therefore,  much  happier  than  they  ? 

How  high  above  this  ball  may  we  ascend. 

How  deep  beneath  its  surface  we  descend  ? 

Over  us  all  some  destiny  doth  reign 

That  holds  man  bound  with  adamantine  chain ! 

Ah,  upon  a rotten  soil  and  graves  we  stride 
And  know  full  well  that  what  the  tombs  do  hide 
Are  gloomy  relics  of  a blasted  past; 

That  we  are  subject  to  the  selfsame  blast 
Which  hurled  them  adown  that  horrid  way 
To  age  and  sickness,  death  and  fell  decay ! 

Even  they,  who  in  adversity  and  storm 
Held  steadfast  to  their  virtues  uniform, 

Even  they,  unpitied  did  they  close  their  eyes 
And  glided  into  yon  mysterious  skies. 

Whose  gulfy  deep  the  fancy  terrifies ! 

III. 

‘ Keligion  then ! ’ a million  voices  cry, 

‘ Why  doubt  in  powers  races  deify ! ’ 

Why  doubt!  Believe  what  all  the  pastors  preach. 
When  thou  know’st  well  they  know  not  what  they  teach 


3 


33 


When  they  each  other  would  from  heaven  expel 
And  rate  too  bad  even  for  the  gulfs  of  hell ; 

And  when  of  them  the  arguments  are  read, 
Whom  Buddha,  Moses,  Christ,  Mohammed  bred. 
They  all  descant  on  what  the  grandam  said. 
Would  they  explain  the  justice  of  the  law 
Which  lambs  delivers  to  the  tiger’s  jaw? 

Why  honey  gives  the  bee  and  stings  the  wasp, 
Why  thousand  millions  groan  in  tyrant’s  grasp  V 
Not  Job’s  alone  were  pains  to  mutiny 
The  searching  mind,  and  rouse  the  scrutiny 
In  men  unshaken  in  their  noble  trust; 

For,  like  the  doubter,  feeling  has  the  just! 

Yet  search  who  may  unsearchable  designs 
Of  that  mysterious  Power  who  destines ! 

A hand  that  with  the  mole  in  ploughing  vies 
Shall  tie  the  threads  of  two  eternities? 

Albeit  in  us  doth  gleam  a vital  spark 
To  lead  us  safely  through  this  vale  of  dark. 

And  teach  us  for  a heavenly  goal  embark 
On  that  impulsive  drift  in  us,  which  swings 
Aloft  our  soul,  disdaining  earthly  things; 

While  oft  by  some  unheavenly  might  clay-born 
We  are  impell’d  in  mud  here  to  sojourn. 

And  this  supreme  dominion  holds  in  me. 

Since  I,  oh  beauteous  Sol,  have  learned  thee 
To  love ! I strive  in  vain  to  overrule 
A sentiment  of  which  my  heart  is  full. 

Shall  I against  myself,  my  maiden  plot 
And  seek  some  dull,  oblivious  antidote  ? 

Ay,  no!  I will  not  wring  my  swelling  breast; 

I am  a child  of  clod,  as  are  the  rest 
Of  Adam’s  brood,  who  came  to  life  to  grow, 

To  vegetate,  and  love  and  groan  below.” 


34 


TV. 


But  who  is  yonder  quivering  stature,  bent. 

Pale,  ghastly,  as  if  some  new  tomb  had  rent 
Its  ribs,  and  free  set  its  inhabitant? 

That  fearful  vision  rivetted  on  thee, 

Ben  Zion,  tells  a frightened  parent’s  glee. 

Who  in  a dream  laments  what  to  him  most 
Endeared  is  in  this  life ; he  deems  it  lost. 

But  waking  finds  that  the  appalling  scare 
Was  but  a nightmare’s  dread,  a phantom  rare; 
And  with  the  terror  fresh  upon  his  face 
A sign  of  joy  and  gratitude  displays; 

So  is  thine  sire’s  look  now  fix’d  upon 
Thy  youthful  figure,  brave  and  filial  son. 

And  as  the  mother  doth  her  nursling  press. 

And  hugging  by  no  sound  her  love  confess, 

Her  love  to  him  whom  pains  unknown  oppress. 

So  terrified  by  omnious  alarms. 

The  son  around  his  father  throws  his  arms. 

Thus  wreath’d  in  one  awhile  they  mutely  stand, 
Anigh  the  stairs  the  sire  did  ascend. 

Sensations  cool  within  their  bosoms  roll, 

The  stirring  agitation  they  control 

Which  freezing  circulates  through  heart  and  soul. 

The  young  the  old  to  question  never  dares. 

Who  thus  his  terror’s  origin  declares : 


“ It  was  a dream,  an  awful  dream  I had, 

Which  almost  rent  my  heart  and  drove  me  mad. 
Oh  what  is  man  with  all  his  boastful  might. 
Whom  senseless  spectres  terrify  at  night ! 

He  claims  the  earth’s  domain  for  him  alone. 

He  dares  almighty  Heaven  to  disenthrone, 

Yet  when  asleep  his  reason  is  all  gone. 


35 


Delusive  powers  then  make  him  their  toy, 

And  into  madness  his  cleai*  sense  decoy. 

Impending  joy  excited  keeps  my  nerves, 

My  unique  son  doth  love  whom  he  deserves, 

And  her  no  foe  a word  could  hnd  to  blame; 

I mean  thy  bride,  who  shall  preserve  our  name. 

This  overbrimming  gladness  in  my  breast, 

I sought  my  couch  expecting  there  to  rest 
And  gather  strength  for  the  approaching  day 
Which  should  me  find  invigorated,  gay. 

I pray’d  for  all,  and  praying  to  the  sky 
I shut  my  eyes,  but  not  my  fancy’s  eye. 

For  as  I rested  there  in  sweet  repose 
Before  my  mental  gaze  a shape  arose 
Bedaub’d  with  gore,  and  hoary  locks  blood-stained. 
He  manfully  his  tortures  had  sustain’d; 

I saw  his  bleeding  skull,  his  hopeless  fight 
With  savage  bands;  I saw  him  loos-e  his  sight. 

And  tugg’d  along  to  horse’s  tail  attach’d 
Beyond  the  gates  I saw  him  then  despatch’d; 

I saw  him  hung  and  writhed  with  agony, 

I heard  the  Moslems  laugh  and  saw  him  die. 

^ Environ’d  by  a trembling  multitude 
Upon  my  parents’  roof,  methought,  I stood. 

And  how  the  stranglers  him  destroy’d  I view’d. 

' But  lo ! I gaze  around  with  ravings  wild 
And  miss  my  darling  son,  my  only  child. 

With  vengeance  burning  and  my  senses  crazed 
I cry,  ‘ My  son,  my  son ! ’ and  turn  amazed 
To  look  adown  and  see  thee,  as  gazelle. 

With  wondrous  speed  thyself  through  mobs  propel. 
The  crowds,  the  soldiers  all  astonish’d  part. 

Toward  the  murderous  spot  I see  thee  dart 
With  cimeter  in  haud  and  giant  force! 

The  wreakful  tyrant  high  upon  his  horse 


36 


I see  thee  front — his  monstrous  blood  is  spilt, 
Thy  steel  into  his  breast  doth  plunge  with  hilt 
■ And  blade;  he  sinks  and  swims  within  a flood 
Of  reeking,  fuming  beastly  tyrant’s  blood ! 

But  regiments  around  thee  concentrate. 

With  bristling  weapons  they  advance — too  late! 
Against  thyself  thy  dagger  points,  and  fierce 
I see  the  fatal  steel  thy  bosom  pierce. 

‘My  father  is  avenged,  avenged!’  I call, 

‘My  son,  my  son!’  I cry,  and  see  thee  fall. 

My  vital  strength  forsakes  me  as  I cry, 

I feel  my  senses,  feelings,  sink  and  die, 

I make  an  effort  and  awake —a wake 
All  wet  and  freezing  as  if  from  a lake 
Of  icy  waves  I narrowly  escaped; 

So  real  seemed  the  web  a phantom  shaped ! 

And  now  thy  voice  I heard  so  sweet  to  me 
As  is  the  bliss  my  loving  son  to  see, 

Thy  voice,  my  ear’s  delight  and  harmony.’, 

Ben  Zion  shudders  as  the  tale  is  told. 

Which  horrid  facts  to  memory  recall’d ; 

A throng  of  passions  in  his  bosom  rage 
He  calms  his  father  thus,  bow’d  down  with  age. 


VI. 

“ Oh  wipe  it  out  from  memory’s  record 
The  blackest  crime  of  that  detested  horde; 
It  is  engraved  among  the  foulest  deeds 
Of  every  soil  where  weeping  Virtue  bleeds; 
In  bloody  letters  written  is  that  crime 
Upon  the  page  of  all-avenging  Time. 

Not  guilty  execution  did  he  bear 
Bequeathing  infamy  to  us,  who  wear 
His  image;  innocent,  as  all  the  great 
Who  on  the  path  of  martyrdom  their  fate 


37 


Confronted  with  a consciousness  elate. 

Did  he  his  untold,  hellish  tortures  scorn 
To  be  the  light  of  ages  yet  unborn, 

The  load-star  of  a scattered  race  down-trod 
Who  outrage  suffer  for  their  only  God! 

Nor  will  he  be  the  last  of  them  who  rise 
In  deathless  glory  on  self-sacrifice, 

And  dwell  with  saints,  we  hope,  in  yonder  skies ; 
For  could  not  in  this  land  unblest  us  all 
Some  unforeseen  calamities  befall  ? 

Thus  quit,  oh  father,  with  thy  son  this  shore. 
That  bitter  fruit  for  all  our  sires  bore, 

And  let  us  seek  beneath  the  starry  dome 
In  foreign  climes  a kind,  benignant  home. 

Take  what  thou  canst  and  I will  lead  the  road. 
My  bride  and  parents  follow  us  abroad; 

A savage  country  who  would  not  forsake 
Where  life  and  honor  ever  are  at  stake  ? ” 

VII. 

“ Of  all  the  earthly  towns,  the  precious  gem 
To  Israel  is  fair  Jerusalem; 

Yet  even  thither  never  would  I move,” 

The  sire  said.  “My  soul  would  not  approve 
Of  quitting  this  my  parents’  native  land 
And  seek  asylum  on  a foreign  strand. 

My  sire’s  frowning  ghost  deserted  here 
By  me,  would  at  my  death-bed  rise,  I fear. 
Upbraiding  lack  of  childlike  awe  in  me. 

Who  fleeing  cannot  from  his  bondage  flee; 

Since  everywhere,  until  Messiah  ’ill  come. 

The  Hebrew  wanderers  possess  no  home. 

No,  no,  my  son,  this  soil  I may  not  leave 
To  which  with  every  nerve  and  vein  I cleave. 
But  thou  may’st  think  of  it  when,  with  thy  wife, 


38 


Thou  feel’st  incliued  to  taste  of  foreign  life. 
Thou  hast  the  manners,  sense  to  intercourse 
With  men,  whose  views  I never  could  endorse, 
Bred  as  I am  in  Barbary  to  live, 

Do  as  my  friends,  and  what  they  teach  believe. 
And  now  I shall  not  further  deviate 
From  my  intent,  but  straight  to  thee  relate 
Thy  grandsire’s  will,  the  testament  he  left 
When  of  his  eyes  atrocious  hand  bereft 
Him  in  his  own  house : he  bidding  me  convey 
His  death  to  late  descendants;  I obey. 

And  charge  my  son,  when  of  a house  the  head. 
To  do  the  same,  and  honor  thus  the  dead.  ” 

Ben  Zion,  as  a man  by  fever’s  frost 
And  heat  alternately  convulsed,  has  lost 
His  equipoise;  an  inward,  freezing  chill 
His  nervous  system  visibly  did  thrill. 

While  gray  Hazan  at  once  in  tones  subdued 
His  frightful  story  calmly  thus  pursued. 

VIII. 

“Now  three  decades  the  Sultan  Mohamet 
Morocco’s  might  and  sceptre  wielded  yet 
With  heavy  despot’s  all-outraging  pride; 

A foreign  trull  he  made  his  lawful  bride 
And  she,  the  partner  of  his  bed  and  throne, 
Muley  el  Ghazi  gave  him  as  a son ; 

His  first-born  bred  to  be  his  father’s  foe, 

The  cause  of  bloody  feuds  and  tearful  woe. 

Ere  long  the  overweening  prince  uprose 
With  bold  design  the  monarch  to  depose; 

A bristling  army  bleeds  in  his  defence. 

He  claims  the  throne,  that  is  his  sole  pretence; 
A disaffected  party  backs  his  claim. 

They  furnish  men  and  arms,  he  gives  his  name. 


39 


He  vast  resources  wastes  red  .war  to  wage, 

His  cruel  bands  like  furious  tigers  rage; 

They  field  and  wood  with  limbs  dissected  fill, 
Their  horrid  deeds  the  stoniest  hearts  congeal. 
The  outraged  Sultan  doth  his  heir  excel 
In  fiendish  feats  and  schemes  of  blackest  hell ; 

A royal  edict  bids  the  loyal  host 
On  fire  all  the  living  traitors  roast ; 

The  babe,  the  woman  strangled  do  expire, 

And  heaps  of  victims  feed  the  tyrant’s  ire ; 

To  extirpate  he  swears  by  Mecca’s  tomb 
The  rebels’  brood  still  in  the  mother’s  womb. 
And  females  disembowel’d  are  cut  like  hogs. 

The  still-born  infants  thrown  before  the  dogs. 

In  field,  at  last,  doth  host  encounter  host 
And  many  days  in  doubtful  strife  are  lost. 

The  son  and  father  now  a duel  fight, 

The  despot’s  fierceness  puts  the  prince  to  flight; 
By  night  and  day  he  flies,  with  him.  his  train. 
Behind  his  routed  host,  some  spot  to  gain 
As  refuge,  or  a fastness  where,  their  fate 
To  try  once  more,  they  durst  to  concentrate. 

But  hunted  fiercely  they  must  soon  disband 
And  fly  to  mount  and  wood  from  vengeful  hand. 
The  prince  himself  a sacred  refuge  hides, 

And  hither  Mohamet  his  army  guides; 

While  from  his  hiding  place  near  Tetuan  , 

The  refugee  to  Solomon  Hazan 

For  heavy  loans  applies,  which  are  declin’d; 

My  father  has  the  Sultan  in  his  mind. 

Who  far  and  wide  his  edicts  had  proclaimed. 
Among  the  crimes  he  loans  to  rebels  named. 

He,  though  with  burning  wrath  inebriate, 

The  courage  lacks  the  peace  to  violate 
That  dwells  behind  the  sanctuary’s  gate. 


40 


To  raze  it  he  resolves,  apd  from  a dam 
There  swings  and  batters  the  destructive  ram. 
The  walls  disjoined  quiver,  bend,  give  way  — 

^ Where  art  thou  valiant  prince,  where  is  Muley?’ 
The  frantic  emperor  calls  through  the  gap, 

‘My  filial  heir,  my  love  shall  not  escape!  ’ 

He  roars,  he  swears,  he  raves,  and  runs  ahead, 
But  lo!  he  pales,  he  trembles,  drops — is  dead! 

‘A  miracle!’  the  armies  loud  exclaim, 

‘A  miracle!’  they  cry  and  straight  proclaim 
The  monstrous  prince  successor  to  his  sire. 

The  throne  to  which  by  guilt  he  did  aspire. 


IX. 

“As  oft  the  boa  lock’d  in  iron  cage 
Against  her  liberator  turns  in  rage. 

And  him  devours  who  friendly  broke  the  bar; 

So  Muley  treated  them,  whose  evil  star 

Him  made  their  monarch  by  their  choice  and  will. 

Their  late  adversary,  their  tyrant  still ; 

But  most  of  all  the  Jews  his  venom  feel. 

To  wreck  the  race  that  bears  the  Hebrew  name 
Blazoning  heralds  a decree  proclaim 
That  dooms  to  hanging  every  Jewish  male 
In  town ; the  babes  and  women  bids  for  sale. 

Who  can  the  horrors  tell  and  dark  dismay. 

Which  wrung  the  hearts  of  thousands  on  that  day. 
When  all  the  temples  filled  with  piteous  cries 
Upsent  one  loud  appeal  to  cloudy  skies! 

The  women  slaves,  their  husbands  should  be  slain, 
Who  would  not  cry!  they  cried  and  not  in  vain, 
Alas!  except  the  noblest  of  them  all 
Whose  doom,  once  seal’d  no  power  would  recall. 

A learned  Cadi  moves  the  flinty  prince 
To  spare  the  Jews,  but  knows  him  to  convince. 


41 


That  rob  and  plunder  that  rejected  race 
The  faithful  Moslem  may  without  disgrace. 

Like  surges  bursting  through  the  dikes,  the  mob 
Throughout  the  Hebrew  quarter  sweep  and  rob 
The  beds  and  shirts  of  husband,  child,  and  wife 
Who  thank  Almighty  for  their  naked  life. 

Not  so  my  father  singled  out  to  be 
The  bleeding  scapegoat  of  black  tyrany. 

A grimy  pack  of  trained  assassins  come, 

Invade  our  lane,  our  yard,  our  sacred  home; 

The  bolts,  the  doors  yield  to  ferocious  force ; 

They  come  with  red-hot  spikes,  they  lead  a horse 
To  serve  their  fiendish  end.  Come,  father,  rise 
And  suffer  for  thy  God  and  martyr’s  prize ! 

Sure  thee  they  seek,  ah  me!  they  pierce  thy  eyes 
And,  woe  to  us ! we  see  thy  fount  of  light 
Outquench’d,  thee  plunged  into  deepest  night ! 

We  offer  gold,  implore,  to  no  avail. 

Thy  locks  are  fastened  to  a courser’s  tail. 

And  thus  along  the  town  they  drag  thee  out 
Beyond  the  gates,  where  with  the  hellish  shout 
Of  demons  who  in  charnals  feast  and  quaff 
Corrupted  human  blood,  and  quaffing  laugh. 

The  brutal  monarch  and  his  menial  train 
Enjoy  thy  eyeless  look,  thy  horrid  pain. 

‘ Suspend  him  by  a leg  to  yonder  tree 
And  let  him  breathe  his  last  in  agony ! ' 

The  bloody  prince  commands,  the  hangmen  speed 
Their  emperor’s  blood-thirstiness  to  feed. 

Oh  let  me  end  my  tale;  his  limbs  they  bind. 

He  prays,  he  hangs,  and  dies  to  Heaven  resign’d!  ” 


X. 

“ On  whom  if  not  on  you,”  Ben  Zion  cried, 
“Are  all  the  prophets’  curses  verified ! 


42 


You  vegetating  in  this  realm  unblest, 

Devoid  of  human  right,  of  peaceful  rest, 

A prey  to  real  dreads  and  fancied  scares, 

Down  born  with  the  tremendous  weight  of  cares 
Which  hydra-headed  spring  and  multiply! 

These  are  the  people  from  afar  of  eye 
And  visage  fierce,  unmoved  by  pity,  wild. 

Who  neither  age  nor  sex  do  spare,  nor  child. 

Possess’d  by  all  the  instincts  of  the  brute 
They  slay  the  victim  and  indulge  the  fruit 
That  grows  and  blooms  upon  a gory  soil. 

The  reeky  harvest  of  a murderous  toil. 

Of  strangled  Innocence  the  wretched  spoil. 

Andyou,  oh  wonder  of  the  times  1 in  awe 
Before  the  dreadful  punisher  you  bow, 

And  with  your  woes  seems  trust  in  Him  increase. 
When  change  of  creed  would  comfort  bring  and  peace 
What  people  of  a mind  can  boast  like  this! 

Nay,  here,  where  misery  in  full  you  taste. 

You  choose  a cheerless  life  and  age  to  waste; 

And,  as  your  crowning  victory,  you  crave 
To  have  your  sires  next  to  you  in  grave, 

Instead  of  fleeing  from  oppressive  fears 
And  live  where  Tolerance  her  temple  rears! 

If  at  the  bottom  of  such  tragic  fate 
There  work  the  princples  which  elevate 
The  human  soul  beyond  the  mortal  reach 
Of  doleful  sorrows,  pains  and  loss,  and  teach 
A world,  that  life’s  end  is  benignity. 

Believe  in  Heaven,  and  human  dignity; 

Then  fathom  all  the  annals  of  mankind. 

The  famous  generations  far  behind; 

Of  all  the  peoples  the  best  sages  fetch. 

And  with  old  Israel  their  triumphs  match; 

How  dwarfish  they  appear!  Eternal  race. 


43 


Thy  tears,  thy  sufferings  a globe  disgrace;  * 
But  thy  Promethean  work  and  fame  will  last 
When  all  the  empires  known  shall  be  past, 

When  time  all  monuments  shall  turn  to  dust. 

Thy  lofty  spirit  not  on  earth  doth  dwell; 

Thou  must  not  die,  for  who  the  truth  would  tell  ? ” 

XI. 

What  good  results,”  the  father  spoke  again, 

“ From  knowledge  spread  and  stored  in  every  brain. 
When  from  the  noblest  goal  we  are  as  far 
As  we  on  earth  from  yonder  lucent  star? 

Though  known  the  duties  which  our  laws  implant. 
Yet  most  of  men  are  on  wrong-doing  bent. 

Not  ignorance,  but  malice  we  now  beard 
In  every  clime  and  every  quarter  rear’d. 

Sin  doth  man’s  heart  in  various  ways  invade ; 

The  germ  of  evil  nature  in  him  laid. 

And,  while  he  feels  what  right  is  and  what  wrong. 
Temptation  to  resist  he  proves  not  strong; 

And,  claiming  kinship  with  some  selfish  party. 

He  serves  his  Moloch,  Baal  or  Astarte. 

How  many  nations  did  not  please  their  gods 
By  teaching  fellow-men  with  iron  rods  ? 

How  many  live  who  not  with  pious  lip 
On  Israel  some  calumny  did  heap  ? 

In  ruthless  cruelty  Morocco  stands 
Not  single-handed  midst  so  many  lands, 

Where  more  than  here  our  brethren  are  not  blest, 
Nor  honor’d,  as  reports  our  worthy  guest. 

In  Persia,  Muscovy,  Eoumania,  there 
The  Hebrews  likewise  persecution  bear. 

While  any  clan’s  imaginary  wrongs 
Provokes  the  zeal  of  twenty  thousand  tongues. 

And  mailed  armies  move  and  fleets  of  steel 


44 


Some  petty  tyraut  wreakful  blows  to  deal, 

No  champioo  for  us  would  draw  a sword, 
lu  our  behalf  but  few  would  speak  a word. 

As  if  the  Helots  not  the  teachers  we 
Were  of  the  human  kind,  not  all  as  free. 

To  misery  ignominy  to  add 
The  Muscovite  contrives,  and  stories  mad 
Find  ready  ears  and  credence  in  those  realms 
Which  darkness  barbarous  yet  overwhelms; 
Where  still  the  knout  and  demon  hold  their  sway,. 
Where  vodka,  priests  and  birch  do  rule  the  day. 
Corruption  doth  her  ugliness  display. 

‘ For  Passover  the  Jews  need  Christian  gore.’ 

Thus  rings  the  hellish  lie  for  evermore, 

A calumny  among  the  Heathens  spread 
Who  Gentiles  hating,  thus  their  hatred  fed; 

These  Gentiles  now  to  hate  the  Jew  prefer. 

As  shows  this  story  of  our  messenger. 

XII. 

“ It  was  a milder  breath  that  took  the  place 
Of  winter’s  gloomy  all-congealing  face; 

The  north  wind  yielded  to  the  southern  breeze^ 
The  coldest  night  did  scarce  the  waters  freeze. 
And  melting  swam  the  snow  and  burst  the  ice 
And  made  cascade  and  river  roar  and  rise; 
Keviving  nature  brighter  hopes  did  bring. 

It  was  the  midst  of  March,  the  morn  of  spring; 
The  season  when  the  Hebrews  had  their  yoke 
In  Egypt  by  twelve  score  of  wonders  broke. 

The  eve  was  young ; ain  hour  ago  the  sun 
Descended  and  in  darkness  lay  Kherson 
Upon  the  Dnieper’s  fertile  banks.  Along 
The  stream  from  every  station  rang  the  song 
Where  raftsmen,  sailors,  pilots  nightly  throng 


45 


To  spend  a mirthful  hour  beyond  the  fogs 
Of  misty  river  life  and  giim  j)orog8. 

Within  the  town  some  windows  bright  with  glare 
Bespoke  the  celebration  high  and  rare 
Of  that  miraculous,  divine  event 
Which  all  a people’s  slavish  chain  has  rent, 

And  all  an  army  buried  in  the  sea 
That  froze  and  fused  for  sake  of  liberty ! 

The  eve  advanced  and  all  the  light  and  sound 
Gave  room  to  dark  and  quietude  around. 

Save  distant  in  a homely  dwelling,  there 
Was  light  and  life  and  one  could  singing  hea*-. 

The  rabbi  at  his  table  richly  set 

Did  read  and  sing  and  had  his  eyeballs  wet, 

When  to  his  dearest  wife  and  children  he 
The  wonders  told  how  Israel  was  free. 

And  could  adore  and  glorify  the  One — 

Old  Israel,  and  Israel  alone ! 

Now  startled  by  a sudden  heavy  knock 
The  minister  doth  hasten  to  unlock 
The  door;  he  opes,  he  stares,  he  looks  around; 
There  is  no  soul,  but  near  him  on  the  ground 
He  puzzled  sees  a mass  of  white  wdiich,  wild 
With  dread,  he  lifts  and  holds— a murder’d  child! 
The  terror-stricken  couple  know  their  lot. 

The  rabble,  the  police  are  on  the  spot. 

And  through  the  night  resounds  the  frantic  shout : 
‘ The  Hebrews  drink  our  blood  there  is  no  doubt ! ’ 
And  straight  the  multitude  are  spreading  thence; 
Their  trail  mark  fire,  rape  and  violence; 

The  rabbi  and  his  congregation  fast 
Within  the  prison,  whither  they  are  cast. 

The  thumbscrew  tortures  and  the  knout  at  best 
But  false  confessions  from  the  weak  can  wrest. 
^No,  no,’  the  generous  rabbi  pleads,  ‘the  guilt 


46 


Is  sure  not  mine,  yet  let  my  blood  be  s^nlt ; 

Before  my  door  the  murder’d  child  was  found, 

For  me  to  suffer  these  men  are  not  bound  ! ’ 

The  judge  decides:  The  rabbi’s  doubtful  crime 
Shall  in  the  rigors  of  Siberian  clime 
By  him,  of  whom  three  thousand  hearts  were  fond. 
In  pits  by  penal  labor  be  atoned. 

And  there  long  seven  years  with  heavy  head. 

With  wife  and  son  he  bore  his  lot,  til]  dead 
One  morning  on  his  couch  he  slept  in  peace, 

A guiltless  martyr,  whom  death  brought  release. 
He  scarce  was  buried  when  the  message  came 
Which  him  and  family  did  free  proclaim. 

A vile  apostate  whom  the  popes  have  blessed 
Upon  his  death-bed  had  his  crime  confessed 
Of  having  strangled  an  abducted  boy. 

The  hated  flock  and  pastor  to  destroy. 

Our  guest  the  son  is  of  that  luckless  pair. 

His  mother’s  heart  was  broken  in  despair. 
Complying  with  his  father’s  testament. 

With  her  at  first  to  Palestine  he  went. 

And  never  since  did  he  that  country  leave 
To  which  with  pious  love  he  still  doth  cleave.” 


XIII. 

They  spoke  no  more,  but  both  departed  soon 
To  rest;  the  night  grew  chilly  and  the  moon 
Still  shed  her  splendors  on  the  dreaming  town. 
And  held  her  rule  until  the  graying  dawn. 
Hazan’s  excitement  kept  him  still  awake 
When  in  the  East  the  purple  morn  did  break. 
When  pale  and  rayless,  like  a cloudlet  white. 
The  moon  retired  from  Aurora’s  sight. 


47 


Not  so  Ben  Zion,  young  and  vigorous; 

Though  much  afPected  by  the  old  distress, 
Could  yet  his  thought,  his  sentiment  suppress; 
And  when  his  eye-lids  and  his  tired  sense 
Bid  him  suspend  his  wake  intelligence. 

In  passive  action  all  his  system  keep. 

Then  could  he  rest,  indulging  balmy  sleep. 


1 


48 


4 


I. 


Who  are  yon  turban’d  shapes  with  noiseless  pace 
In  masses  moving,  ere  the  dawn  yet  grays, 

As  if  they  creatures  were  who  but  anight 
Their  secret  dealings  to  display  had  right  ? 

As  by  her  warning  hiss  the  chamois  spreads 
Alarm  at  the  emerging  foe  she  dreads. 

And  on  her  whistling  notes  the  herds  rely 
And  for  their  life  in  panting  hurry  fly, 

So  at  the  early  Muezzin’s  appeal 

The  startled  Moslems  all  the  pathways  fill. 

In  crowds  proceed  to  reach  the  mosque’s  fold. 
Where  basins  vast  the  crystal  waters  hold. 

In  these  the  faithful  lave  their  feet,  and  straight 
Upon  the  sanctuary’s  floor  the  great 
And  mighty  Allah  prostrate  they  adore. 

The  Prophet  worship  and  the  saints  implore. 


II- 

Keceding  tremulously  from  the  east 
The  sable  dark,  dissolving  light  a mist, 

Leaves  clear  the  Orient  coloring  and  bright, 
The  golden  beams  disperse  the  shades  of  night. 
From  Neptune’s  bosom  sweet  Aurora  springs. 
Deriding  crowns  and  diadems  of  kings; 


50 


The  rocks,  the  trees,  the  turrets  glare  with  hues 
Celestial  mirror’d  by  the  sparkling  dews, 

Which  bathing  hang  on  every  blade  and  leaf, 

A sea  of  pears,  a thirsting  world’s  relief. 
Enravishing  the  skylark’s  matin  lay 
With  spellful  ecstacy  salutes  the  day. 

In  awful  splendor  wrapt  the  glorious  sphere 
In  full  now  rises,  and  night’s  dusky  rear 
Doth  from  the  clear  horizon  disappear. 

From  slumbers  roused  afoot  is  man  and  beast. 
Though  all  not  happy,  yet  refreshed  at  least 
By  sleep’s  delicious  balm,  and  in  their  scope 
Embrace  once  more  uneasiness  and  hope ; 

But  scanty  still  the  people  of  the  town 
Are  seen  in  Tangier  marching  up  and  down ; 

At  home  the  Moor  his  fragrant  coffee  sips, 

The  cup  in  hand,  Allah  upon  his  lips; 

He  is  preparing  for  the  day’s  fatigues 
By  coffee,  rice,  and  bread,  by  milk  and  figs; 

He  works  not  hard,  on  wealth  he  is  not  bent, 

He  takes  life  easy ; he  is  indolent. 

III. 

Near  such  a home  a youth  devoid  of  mirth 
Was  just  observed;  he  was  a Moor  by  birth, 

Of  noble  station  and  possessions  rich; 

He  felt  a passion  for  the  charming  witch 
Whose  beauteous  look  his  feeling  did  enchant ; 
He  time  and  gold  to  reach  her  vainly  spent; 
Poor  Hadgi  by  false  Thara  was  decoyed. 

And  there  embittered  stood  the  youth,  annoyed. 
“ Shall  I the  rumor  trust  ? It  is  not  true — 

I love  the  Jewess,  but  she  loves  the  Jew. 

I wish  I could  that  Hebrew  send  to  hell. 

Or  be  myself  the  happy  infidel ! ” 


51 


The  angry  lad  repeatedly  exclaimed, 

And  in  his  gloom  he  Sol  and  Thara  named  ; 

Thara  he  at  her  door  would  gladly  see, 

To  free  his  mind  from  dark  despondency ; 

Her  door  now  open’d  and  herself  appeared, 

Her  tidings  brought  the  worst  the  youth  had  feared 
A chilly  current  through  his  body  ran 
When  thus  the  female  cunningly  began : 


IV. 

“The  morn  give  comfort  to  thy  generous  heart; 
May  never  pleasure  from  thy  soul  depart, 

Nor  strength  be  wanting  in  thy  faithful  breast 
Should  with  Misfortune  thou  be  bound  to  wrest ! 
Though  sad  the  news,  the  rumor  is  yet  true 
That  lovely  Sol  an  infidel  did  woo ; 

Still  Allah  trust,  Allah  can  wonders  do ; 

For  who  but  he  could  save  her  from  the  snare 
Of  infidels  ? A wonder  must  occur 
Or  thou  wilt  lose  in  her  a prospect  sweet. 

And  I a friend  whose  equal  none  can  meet. 

To  thee  but  half  the  treasures  in  the  maid 
Her  outward  graces  partly  have  display’d; 

She  doth  not  bodily  alone  excel 
The  beauteous  faithful  and  the  infidel ; 

But  in  the  rare  endowments  of  her  mind 
A husband  will  a mine  of  riches  find, 

A sensible,  exalted,  upright  heart. 

Of  all  the  finest  qualities  a part ; 

Though  feminine,  yet  resolute  in  all, 

Hkd  she  in  Eden  dwelt,  how  could  she  fall ! 

A J ewess  born  and  by  a Hebrew  bred. 

She  of  our  conversation  cut  the  thread 

The  moment  I to  faith  allusion  made 

Or  her  to  catch  some  subtle  scheme  have  laid. 


52 


She  always  thwarting  my  intended  course 
By  cutting  short  the  pertinent  discourse. 

^ Why  on  such  topics  fruitlessly  debate 
And  thus  impair  our  friendship  intimate? 

Thy  people  and  their  creed  I never  blamed  ; 
Nor  could  I of  my  parents  be  ashamed 
Who  have  inherited  a faith  intense, 

A proud  belief  of  spreading  excellence. 

Disdain  not  those  who  in  the  sun  believe, 

If  thou  dost  kneel  before  the  star  of  eve ; 
Without  these  orbs  our  planet  would  be  poor, 
And  so  this  earth  without  the  Jew  and  Moor; 
All  true  religion  is  the  spirit’s  food. 

The  scourge  of  evil  and  the  fount  of  good.’ 

So  spoke  the  Jewess  and  I pondered  mute. 
Who  could  attempt  that  maiden  to  refute? 

If  such  a mind  a Hachuel  can  breed 
Why  should  quagmires  not  sweet  lilies  feed? 

To  persuasion  Sol  will  hardly  yield, 

A surer  plan  Allah  to  me  reveal’d 

When  scheming  I a sleepless  night  have  spent 

And  tearful  prayers  to  the  heavens  upsent. 

A net  we  spread  the  golden  fish  to  lure. 

Success  may  crown  our  work,  we  try  it  sure  ; 
x^nd  should  against  us  tend  the  highest  Will 
We  risk  our  best  with  hardiness  and  skill.” 

V. 

“ I risk’d,  I risk’d,”  the  tortured  lover  cries, 

I risk’d  my  flocks,  my  herds,  I risk’d  my  eyes. 
But  even  if  I had  to  risk  a throne 
The  chances  are,  alas,  all  lost  and  gone. 

And  what  I deem’d  a conquer’d  goal  at  first 
Was  but  a bubble,  and  I see  it  burst ! 

Oh  cruel  tongue  that  highly  speaks  of  her 


53 


Whose  name,  whose  loss  this  bosom  with  despair 
Doth  till,  not  steel’d  aggression’s  blast  to  brave! 
Why  praise  the  dearest  features  in  the  grave 
To  wrested  hearts,  when  every  praising  sound 
Adds  but  a torment,  adds  a bleeding  wound? 

Sol  never  can  be  mine,  deceive  me  not, 

A rayless  vista  is  my  dreary  lot ; 

The  creeping  hours,  the  days  I hate  to  see 
By  flinty  heavens  dialed  sluggishly 
Love’s  writhing  disappointments  to  prolong! 

Oh,  stupid  rustic  that  I am  ! Whose  wrong 
Is’t  when  on  female’s  promise  I did  count, 

Myself  not  daring  to  approach  the  fount 
And  quench  my  raging  thirst  by  force  or  snare. 
Instead  of  whining  thus  in  vain  despair! 

Thy  word,  deceitful  woman,  did  I trust, 

Thoi  i feeding  me  with  falsehoods  to  the  last. 
Abusing  thus  my  unsuspicious  youth — 

My  confidence  in  thee,  my  faith  in  truth! 
Henceforth  why  loathe  the  faithless  infidel 
When  he  for  lucre  his  honesty  doth  sell? 
Insinuating  thou  didst  in  me  nurse 
A hopeless  passion  but  to  fill  thy  purse 
With  what  I freely  gave  ; thou  art  the  curse 
Of  my  interminable  pains.  But  hear 
And  shudder  if  accessible  to  fear 
Is  such  a callous,  menial  mind  as  thine  ; 

I swear  by  Mecca’s  sanctity  and  shrine — 

By  yonder  heavens  vaulting  overhead — 

By  great  Allah,  by  Monkir^s  awful  dread— 

As  long  as  this  my  breast  can  vengeance  feel,. 
This  grip  can  wave  a bare,  dissecting  steel. 

No  infidel  shall  hug  the  Jewish  maid  ; 

Into  his  breast  I plunge  the  deathful  blade. 

And  hurl  him  headlong  to  the  realms  of  shade  I 


54 


With  red  Simoom  I grapple  for  the  belle 
And  would  the  powers  beard  of  darkest  hell, 

If  at  such  cost  I could  her  in  a bower 
Enjoy  myself  not  longer  than  one  hour! 

Thy  shameful  guilt  and  treason,  treacherous  drab, 
Shall  not  unpunish’d  pass ; thee  first  I stab. 

Thee,  temptress  of  my  youth  and  innocence; 
Thee  first  I to  the  dust  consign,  and  hence 
Myself  I for  the  grave-yard  pave  my  way, 

A raving  maniac  here  I would  not  stray ! ” 

And  Thara,  dreading  his  ferocious  wrath. 

The  frantic  lover  thus  appeasing  quoth : 

VI. 

“ Allay  thy  wrath,  hot-headed  boy,  and  smooth 
Thy  clouded  forehead,  unbecoming  youth 
And  rank.  Too  precious  is  the  hour,  and  haste 
Bids  me  endure  the  spleen  of  thy  distaste ; 

I scarce  a second  can  afford  to  waste. 

Thou  dost  my  honor  and  my  conscience  blot, 

Thy  arrows  reach  me  but  they  hurt  me  not, 

Who  did  what  in  my  power  lay.  Should  I 
For  thee  unheard-of  obstacles  defy. 

And,  combating  the  elements  and  storm. 

Perhaps,  our  Prophet’s  miracles  perform  ? 

I have  a plan,  and  judge  if  placid  sense 
Can  more  devise  than  ruffled  vehemence. 

The  maiden  granting  my  requested  boon 
Will  be  my  visitant  this  afternoon ; 

Meanwhile  the  Pasha’s  aid  I must  secure 
Before  into  the  trap  I her  allure; 

I him  beseech  and  his  assistance  sue. 

He  sure  will  help  when  I him  interview. 

And  state  my  reasons  and  the  holy  case. 

I am  prepared  the  perils  all  to  face 


To  let  tJiee  have  the  long’d-for  sweet  embrace.” 

The  wily  female  on  her  purpose  bent 

The  youth  forsakes  who  stares  with  wonderment 

At  what  the  wreckful  guiler  plans  in  mind; 

He  stupified  remains  a while  behind 
Pursuing  with  his  eye  the  way  she  takes, 

He  murmurs,  swears,  he  starts  and  doubting  shakes 
His  head. 

VII. 

Now  high  above  horizon’s  line 
The  radiant  orb  of  day  doth  roll  and  shine, 
Keclaiming  man  to  active  life  and  care; 

But  beast  and  plant  not  half  his  troubles  bear 
In  that  benignant,  fruitful  atmosphere 
Where  hill  and  mead  the  sweetest  herbage  rear. 

The  heifer  from  her  fold’s  enclosure  freed 
In  prancing  lleetness  emulates  the  steed ; 

The  fleecy  flocks  and  horned  cattle  spread 
On  reeky  verdures  by  a Bedouin  led; 

Diffusing  fragrance  sweet  the  flowers  unbosom, 

The  fig-tree,  orange,  and  the  citron  blossom. 

All  turning  grateful  to  the  light  of  day. 

While  to  the  eye  they  all  the  hues  display. 

The  patient  haunted  by  nocturnal  sights 
A thankful  look  doth  turn  toward  the  heights 
Whence  blessings  hail  and  flows  the  golden  beam. 
Of  life  and  happiness  the  blessed  stream. 

VIII. 

Before  his  mansion’s  gate  the  Pasha  proud 
In  mien  and  hearing  stands,  watching  the  crowd 
Toward  the  vast  bazaar  advancing;  there 
To  buy  and  sell  their  goods,  or  see  the  ware 
Of  foreign  lands  exhibited  for  sale 


56 


They  meet.  The  titled  Moor  with  visage  pale 
And  costume  flowing,  bright  and  picturesque 
Contrasts  with  muffled  forms  in  garbs  grotesque; 
With  females  veil’d,  wearing  huge  hats  of  straw; 
Half -naked  bands  of  savage  look  and  brow 
Hare-headed  mounted  ride  on  ass  or  mule, 

A basket  on  each  side  hangs,  as  a rule, 

Of  chickens,  greens,  or  other  victuals  full. 

The  Moslem  owner  shaven  hath  his  hair, 

Except  a lock  by  which  Mohammed’s  care, 

Who  gives  the  beauteous  women  in  the  skies. 

Shall  lift  from  dust  him  into  Paradise. 

Of  these  a number  hold  with  eager  ear 
The  story-teller’s  wondrous  tales  to  hear 
Of  brave  Aladdin’s  magic  lamp  and  ring. 

The  dark  genii  who  served  him  as  their  king. 

In  cloak  of  blue  with  hood  and  cap  of  red 
The  brawny  warrior  stands  in  awful  dread. 

And  views  the  charmer  knelt  upon  the  ground 
With  hissing  snakes  whose  volumes  gird  him  round. 
But  hither  not  her  evil-forging  mind 
Doth  lead  that  female  of  the  basest  kind  ; 

Toward  the  Pasha’s  gate  she  wends  her  pace 
Whom  thus  accosting  she  doth  boldly  face  : 

IX. 

“ Allah  his  blessings  on  thee  hail  adown. 

Thou  potent  ruler  of  this  fairest  town ! 

To  thee  for  help  I look  to  save  a soul 
From  that  perdition  where  the  demons  howl ; 

From  gulfs  of  fire,  horrid  abysses  drear. 

Where  hundred-headed  monsters  gnash  and  tear  ; 
Where  Nakir  over  sinners  power  wields 
Expelled  forever  from  Elysian  fields. 

A Jewess  young  and  lovely  yearning  longs 


57 


To  join  great  Allah’s  ever-faitliful  throngs, 

To  pray  and  worship,  live  and  die  with  ns. 

The  Koran’s  lore  revere,  the  miittoicwas 
Kespect,  when  they  the  tardy  faithful  press 
Within  ih.e  jamia  their  sins  confess. 

But  pilgrims  who  Hedjaz  thro’  Sahara  seek 
Less  dreadful  Samiel  fear  than  she,  too  meek 
And  timid,  trembles  with  unfounded  fright 
Lest  with  a rope  the  infidels  at  night, 

As  Issa  once  they  to  a pole  did  fix,  . 

Might  strangle  her  and  with  the  dust  her  mix. 

To  wed  a Jew  they  now  would  her  compel ; 

She  is  the  daughter  of  old  Hachuel, 

Who,  knowing  her  intent,  would  in  his  rage 
Bemind  her  of  her  wrathful  parentage, 

If  thou  wilt  thy  protection  not  accord. 

Thy  mightiness,  thy  influence,  thy  word. 

Would  keep  the  gnashing  infidels  aloof 
When  she  a refuge  seeks  beneath  my  roof 
To-day,  ere  she  in  marriage  chain’d  is  to 
A man  she  hates.  Since  years  of  nature  true  . 
And  noble  her  I found,  and  through  my  word 
I touched  in  her  soul  a heavenly  chord  ; 

For  cautiously  I threw  the  heavenly  seed 
Until  it  riping  took  the  shape  of  creed  ; 

And  now  thy  help  and  friendship  both  we  need!  ” 

With  lying  artfulness  the  female  moves 

The  ruling  Moor  who  thus  her  scheme  approves. 


X. 

‘‘  By  duty  bound  and  faith  I lend  my  aid 
To  shield  and  harbor  the  inspired  maid, 
Whose  inspirations  all  the  saints  must  laud  ; 
Within  these  walls  the  girl  shall  find  abode 
And  treated  be  as  one  of  those  I love, 

58  . 


So  Allah  wills  and  Prophet  throned  above! 
Encouraging  receive  the  lass,  and  say 
That  her  deliverence  I effect  to-day, 

Even  at  once,  if  thou  dost  deem  it  wise; 

I need  not  long  effective  means  devise. 

But  send  a force  who  from  her  parents’  house 
Will  tear  the  maiden,  even  from  her  spouse. 

Yet  have  her  in  thy  might  I do  prefer, 

In  ambush  shall  an  escort  wait  for  her 

And,  at  thy  hint,  they  hither  bring  her  straight, 

I will  her  welcome  at  my  friendly  gate. 

The  imans^  cadis  I at  once  convene, 

Allah  imploring  we  the  task  begin.” 

XT. 

The  Pasha  ends,  the  traitress  bows  and  parts 
To  forge  deep  sorrows  for  so  many  hearts  ; 

An  inward  whisper  with  herself  doth  fret. 

She  feels  remorse  and  cowardly  regret ; 

Before  her  door  she  pensive  holds  a while 
Reflecting  on  the  issues  of  her  guile. 

“ Too  late,  too  late,  I cannot  back,  must  on  ; 
The  evil  work  can  never  be  undone  1 ” 

This  Thara  utters,  and  resolves  to  be 
The  fiend  of  lies  and  vilest  infamy. 

Even  as  famish’d  shark  in  ocean’s  deep 
Doth  prawling  jaw  and  eye  wide  open  keep. 

And  restless  roam  till  victims  huge  and  small 
To  his  mad  gluttony  a prey  do  fall, 

So  nursing  evil  Thara  here  and  there 
Was  lurking  round  her  house,  as  if  in  her 
The  evil-one  was  swaying  paramount. 

And  she  impatient  did  the  seconds  count. 
Dividing  her  from  that  depraved  delight 
Which  murderers  derive  from  victims’  fright. 


59 


Across  the  narrow  lane  the  maiden  just 
Appeared,  a laden  tray  in  hand  that  must 
Contain  some  token  of  a friend’s  esteem, 

Some  dainty  presents  offer’d  to  redeem 
The  anguish  of  two  loving  friends  who  part 
With  cheerless  look,  with  tears  and  sighing  heart. 
All  happiness  and  glee  Sol  at  the  door 
Was  kindly  met  by  the  enticing  Moor  ; 

The  maiden  smilingly  the  load  presents 
And  thus  her  overflowing  gladness  vents. 

XII. 

Here,  take  thy  share,  dear  friend,  and  taste  at  least 
A trifle  of  our  joyous,  happy  feast. 

This  welcome  feast  delivering  the  maid 
From  close  confinement — from  the  rafters’  shade. 
Oh,  what  a lucky  creature  am  I now 
Since  such  a youth  to  me  in  love  doth  bow. 

In  life  and  death  the  mine  to  be  doth  vow  ; 

A youth  of  wisdom,  manliness,  and  health. 

Of  noble  parentage  and  steady  wealth ! 

Alone  his  wealth  and  wisdom  would  scarce  move 
In  me  such  gleeful  joyance,  but  his  love 
Poetic  and  his  yearning  soft  and  deep. 

Who  could  with  sympathy  for  him  not  weep ! 

He  out  of  town  from  love’s  oppressions  fled 
And  sighing  in  the  orange  groves  he  shed 
That  briny  flood,  which,  flowing  from  the  eye. 
Alleviates  the  pain  and  thaws  the  sigh. 

But  ever  swells  and  circulates  anew  ; 

And  he  is  one  of  the  enamored  few 
Who  longing  mix  their  tears  with  crystal  dew 
And  make  a secret  of  their  tender  pain 
Until  resistance  yields  to  love’s  domain. 

It  is  our  lot,  oh  friend,  to  be  transferr’d 


60 


Oftimes,  like  heifers  of  a fattened  herd, 

To  men  unfeeling,  weak,  and  powerless. 
Imperious  at  home;  who  naught  possesses, 
Except  the  lordling’s  proneness  to  oppress 
The  luckless  one  who  for  the  length  of  life 
Is  bound  to  them,  the  starving,  helpless  wife. 

But  my  beloved  in  Europe  long  remained. 

Where  woman’s  dignity  is  not  disdained; 

Where  she  not  subject  lives  to  gross  neglect, 

Full  liberty  enjoys  and  mark’d  respect, 

As  tits  her  sacred,  though  dependent  state. 

Her  manifold  complaints,  unenvied  fate. 

But  as  no  cloudless  May  is  given  here. 

No  light  without  a shade  to  interfere, 

So  on  my  soul  some  gloomy  thoughts  intrude 
Which  perfect  gladness  from  my  breast  preclude. 
New  duties  to  the  old  are  added  now 
That  I this  change  of  state  must  undergo; 
Henceforth  thy  friend  is  not  alone  nor  free 
To  seek  the  pleasures  of  thy  company; 

Our  law  commands  that  with  his  wedded  bride 
The  spouse  a year  continuously  abide; 

This  makes  their  happiness,  their  bond  complete; 
That  is  why  brides  with  friends  so  seldom  meet.’^ 

XIII. 

“ I do  thy  destiny  lament,”  now  said 
The  guilty  female  to  the  harmless  maid, 

“ Created  to  impose  by  grace  and  sense. 

To  live  and  move  in  regal  affluence. 

Surrounded  by  obeying  slaves  and  maids, 
Extoll’d  by  titled  men  of  highest  grades ! 

But  no,  the  swan,  majestic  though  and  proud. 

Not  more  is  than  the  cackling  goose  endow’d. 
Who  is  thy  bridegroom  whom  thy  Jews  proclaim 


61 


A man  of  wealth,  of  wisdom  and  of  name?, 

A vagabond,  a homeless  refugee. 

Like  all  the  Hebrews  wandering  is  he. 

Not  quite  a slave,  yet  neither  is  he  free. 

Nor  owes  allegiance  to  some  lord  or  throne; 

Of  all  the  vagrants  he  at  best  is  one. 

And  tell  me  why  the  people  deem  him  wise. 

Doth  Allah  he  or  Prophet  recognize? 

Say  not  his  friends  that  all  gods  he  defiles 
Who  at  Mohammed  Moussa,  Issa,  smiles? 

That  Avith  no  faith  his  temper  can  agree. 

That  what  he  utters  is  sheer  blasphemy? 

To  such  a man  thy  self  thou  dost  confide, 

Such  is  thy  bridegroom,  overhappy  bride. 

Would  not  this  country’s  poorest  beggar  be 
A nobler  match  than  such  a lad  for  thee. 

With  talents  gifted  thou  dost  reason  scorn 
And  Avastest  youth  and  beauty  yet  unworn. 

As  if  in  mire  to  wallow  thou  wast  born. 

Why,  Sol,  believe  in  things  which  nations  mock. 
Why  be  a sheep  of  that  detested  flock 
Who  live  unfriended  on  this  sunny  soil. 

Of  every  Moor  the  undisputed  spoil. 

When  with  one  step  thou  may’st  Avipe  out  the  blot. 
When  with  the  faithful  thou  canst  cast  thy  lot. 
And  Avith  the  wretched  never  weep  and  groan. 

Why  suffer  where  thy  birth  has  cast  thee  doAvn? 
Allah  himelf  in  visiting  with  woes 
And  impotence  the  infidels,  our  foes. 

Who  sneak  and  cringe  and  kiss  the  scourging  lash. 
Like  slaves  estranged  from  a decent  blush. 

Doth  palpably  thy  people’s  blindness  show. 

Did  ever  beings  hold  such  station  low 
As  those  of  whom  thy  knight  is  one?  Admit 
Thy  error,  Sol,  I’ll  save  thee  from  that  pit 


62 


Of  blackness  waiting  elsewhere  for  tliy  race  ; 

Obey  thy  friend,  and  Allah  let  us  praise, 

Who  in  thy  favor  many  souls  did  move  ; 

Thus  of  my  plan  thou  shalt  this  time  approve. 

But  few  the  moments  smiling  on  our  fate. 

Who  lets  them  slip  will  cry  ‘ It  is  too  late.’ 

Speak  forth,  oh  girl,  wilt  thou  a chance  reject 
That  lifts  thee  high  to  the  divine  Elect? 

A noble  Moor  thy  lover  has  become. 

And  bids  thee  all  his  wealth,  himself,  his  home. 
An  Eden  in  this  land,  a future  grand, 

A faith,  a God — this  youth  give  straight  thy  hand. 
Thy  heart,  oh  bring  this  sacrifice  at  once; 

Say  ‘Yes,’  it  is  the  happiest,  best  response!” 

With  indignation  burning,  wroth  to  hear 
The  glossy  temptress  thus  her  faith  with  sheer 
Maliciousness  assail,  her  lover  mock 
As  one  of  a despised,  slavish  flock  ; 

Sol  Hachuel  in  nervous,  seething  words 
The  female’s  biting  ontset  thus  retorts. 

, XIII. 

I deem  myself  too  ignorant  and  weak 
Of  revelations,  mysteries  to  speak  ; 

Man’s  destiny  and  impulse  here  to  sound. 

The  inconsistencies  which  him  surround 
Have  baffled  greater  minds  than  thine  and  mine; 
Wilt ‘thou,  perchance,  unveil  the  ends  divine 
In  tracing  life’s  perplexeties  and  goal? 

Not  thine  is,  woman,  that  exalted  soul 
Destined  immortal  truths  here  to  reveal ! 

Of  lower  sort  is  thy  fanatic  zeal 

That  would  by  wreckage,  crime,  and  blood  convert 

The  world  to  welter  in  immoral  dirt ; 

Delight  in  wringing  hearts  that  not  with  thee 


63 


Would  hate  and  slay,  and  nurse  polygamy! 

The  true,  the  beautiful,  the  good  will  spread 
Without  the  tire,  sword,  and  heaps  of  dead. 

Which  mark  the  track  of  thy  blood-thirsty  gods 
Who  fiercely  rule  with  chains  and  cruel  rods  ; 

Nor  can  their  heartless  votaries  relent 
In  crimeful  hatred — ^their  sole  argument. 

The  nations  name,  who  principles  disdain 
Like  ours,  sublime,  instructive  and  humane. 
Foreign  to  thee  and  thine,  it  is  too  plain  I 
But  if  there  millions  live  who  manifest 
Their  loathing  for  a sect  they  all  detest. 

Thy  sect  they  loathe,  presumptuous  woman,  learn,, 
Thy  pirate  sect,  who  ravish,  slay,  and  burn! 

Allah  doth  give  you  power  to  oppress 
My  undefended  brethren  in  distress. 

This  should  convince  me  that  my  people  bleed 
Because  they  love  their  God  and  scorn  thy  creed 
Such  insolence  assassins  oft  display 
Claiming  that  Heaven  inspired  them  to  slay 
Some  helpless  man,  who  was  not  good,  they  say. 
Not  all  the  crowds  who  throng  the  Moslem’s  fold 
Are  blest  with  health,  prosperity  and  gold  ; 

But  they,  as  we  and  all,  are  mortal — hence 
Exposed  to  sickness,  famine,  pestilence. 

To  want  and  hateful  tyranny  abject ; , 

Such  is  the  bliss  of  thy  divine  Elect  ! 

Thou  hast  a home  and  we,  ’tis  true  have  none. 
Have  enemies  in  every  clime  and  zone. 

Yet  Israel  in  many  realms  has  peace. 

Our  foes  diminish  and  our  friends  increase. 

And  when  a spot  to  rest  our  head  beneath 
The  sun  we  could  not  ftnd,  no  air  to  breathe. 

No  hospitable  roof,  who  will  us  blame 

For  all  a world’s  immortal  wrong  and  shame  L 


64 


My  lover’s  wisdom  thou  canst  not  conceive, 

He  more  can  offer  than  thy  priests  receive, 

And  doth  in  Heaven,  Virtue,  Love  believe. 

A scion  of  an  ancestry  renown, 

Who  independence  and  one  God  did  own. 

Immortal  seed  on  continents  have  thrown, 

When  thy  imbruted  forefathers  in  caves 
Half-naked  caught  and  chained,  became  the  slaves 
Of  chieftains  wild — is  he  whom  I do  love 
More  than  a prince  I could.  He  is  above 
Thy  reason,  friend,  and  is  not  prone 
To  hold  the  principles  thy  imam  own. 

But  why  such  delicate  discussion  broach 
And  sting  me  to  the  core?  Not  me  reproach, 

Thara,  if  thus  provoking  thy  discourse 
A friend  to  use  such  bitter  words  did  force. 

I came  not  here  to  wound,  I came  to  part 
With  one  I deem’d  the  sister  of  my  heart.” 

XIV. 

Now  at  the  guiler’s  signal  in  burst  through 
The  door  a band,  and  round  the  maiden  drew 
A cordon,  sword  in  hand.  Sol  could  not  hide 
Her  consternation,  as  she  petrified 
There  stood,  a prey  to  overpowering  fear. 

Who  sent,  she  thought,  these  lusty  warriors  here?’ 

The  change  of  scene,  the  suddenness  and  all 
Made  for  a while  the  maiden’s  spirit  fall. 

So  doth  the  giant  snake  abroad  for  game 
Her  hideous  coils  wind  round  the  resting  frame 
Of  him  benighted  in  Brazilian  glens, 

Or  lost  in  flowery  forests  deep  and  dense; 

And  while  he  of  the  brilliant  trogon  dreams. 

The  humming  birds,  whose  plumage  shines  and  gleam 
With  all  the  beauties  of  the  rainbow-tints. 


5 


65 


The  freakish  ape  that  chatters,  leaps,  and  hints; 
The  monster’s  twistings  narrowing  do  crack 
And  grind  each  rib  and  bone  they  twist  and  break. 
Bewildered  still  the  maiden  gazed  around. 

The  tensive  silence  broke  no  human  sound. 

The  warriors  all,  the  traitress  mutely  stood. 

Till  Sol  at  last  did  speak,  and  this  ensu’d. 

XV. 

What  means  your  presence,  why  in  this  array 
With  threatening  arms  around  me  do  you  stay. 

As  if  to  seize  me  hither  you  were  sent; 

Is  friendly  or  hostile  your  dark  intent? 

No  wrongs  imparted  haunt  my  peaceful  sense. 

No  guilt,  no  sins  oppress  my  conscience; 

Yet  me  to  honor  you  are  sure  not  here 
And  I thy  purpose  — ” 

XVI. 

“ Calm,  oh  Sol,  thy  fear 
The  men  are  well-intentioned  who  are  here. 

Sent  to  promote  above  thy  birth  thee  high. 

To  rank  on  earth,  and  save  thee  for  the  sky!  ” 

The  wily  temptress  interrupting  speaks 
With  lying  craftiness  and  brazen  cheeks; 

Though  piercing  thou  upon  a noble  friend 
Didst  all  thy  keen-edged  irony  expend. 

The  potent  governor  did  no  second  pause 
When  I before  him  brought  thy  sacred  cause; 

His  residence  with  generous  design 
He  ready  is  to  make  at  once  it  thine; 

For  thee  I work,  the  glory  will  be  mine!  ” 

XVII. 

Why  did  not  Heaven  Innocence  endow. 

Beside  her  sweetness,  with  a dart  and  bow. 


66 


Or  with  some  latent  venom,  deadly  sting, 

She  into  an  oppressor’s  flesh  conld  fling! 

Sol,  was  it  vengeance  flashing  from  thy  gaze. 
Vengeance  ensuing  thy  profound  amaze? 

Oh  no,  not  quite;  who  can  that  feeling  name 
Of  burning  vengeance  mix’d  with  poignant  shame; 
Who  may  with  calmess  hear  the  meanest  guiles 
Of  one  who  ruins,  stabs  and  stabbing  smiles ! 

Her  mother’s  warning  now  lorn  Sol  torments; 

Too  late  her  disobedience  she  repents. 

XVIII. 

‘‘  Oh  mother,  mother,  how  thy  Sol  was  blind 
To  trust  a traitress  whom  no  oath  could  bind; 

To  disregard  thy  motherly  advice. 

When  I did  love  whom  I ought  to  despise ! 

Thou  vile,  perfidious  woman,  didst  befoul 
The  sacred  frindship  of  a loyal  soul; 

Thou  worse  than  lurking  tigress  in  the  wood. 
Outcast  of  man,  disgrace  of  womanhood. 

Rejoice  not  early  at  thy  guileful  scheme 
I shall  my  innocence,  my  faith  redeenj^l 
Not  Thara  shall  of  Sol  converter  be, 

Thara  composed  of  lies  and  infamy!” 

Resentful  thus  the  maiden  vents  her  ire. 

Her  glaring  eye  sends  forth  a piercing  fire. 

The  guiler  pale  and  wrathful  does  retire. 

While  round  the  J ewess  now  the  soldiers  close 
A ring,  and  lead  her  to  the  Pasha’s  house. 


67 


mnm 


I. 

While  thus  accompanied,  the  Pasha’s  gate 
Sol  enters  bitter,  pale  and  desolate, 

A mirthful  crowd  is  flocking  to  her  home. 

Her  friends,  her  neighbors  all  invited  come; 

In  pompous  headgear,  dresses  glittering 
With  gold  the  females  thither  flow  and  bring 
Their  lords  in  garments  long,  and  dignified; 

They  bless  the  couple  whom  sweet  love  hath  tied. 
The  stately  bridegroom  and  the  bonny  bride. 

On  lowly  benches  seated  nigh  the  wall 
The  Hebrew  worthies  tuning  them  extol, 

Who  more  than  pearls  are  to  their  partners’  lives. 
The  bravest  mothers  and  the  truest  wives; 

Who  with  industrious  hand  the  gain  increase, 

The  children  breed,  the  sires’  cares  release. 

A room  adjacent  hides  the  fairest  faces, 

A joyous  crowd  of  unadmired  graces. 

Who  share  the  banquet  and  the  cheer  enhance 
By  song,  by  pantomime  and  nimble  dance; 
Themselves  the  music  on  five  timbrels  sound. 

And  sounding  sing,  and  singing  wheel  around. 
The  wine,  the  dainties  pass  from  hand  to  hand. 
The  older  dames  uncounted  vows  upsend. 

And  wish  the  pair  may  have  good  times  on  earth. 
Before  twelve  months  to  a sweet  babe  give  birth. 


70 


Simha  their  blessings  thousand-fold  returns^ 

She  looks  serene,  but  with  impatience  burns; 
Too  long  appears  to  her  the  bride’s  delay 
Who  should  with  Thara  but,  a moment  stay; 

To  fetch  the  bridegroom  Hachuel  is  gone, 

The  mother  waits  alarmed  and  alone; 

Portentous  fears  she  dares  not  to  express. 

And  bears  the  crushing  weight  of  mute  distress. 


As  on  that  memorable,  dreadful  day 

That  saw  Vesuvius  plunging  doomed  Pompeii 

Into  a lava-flooded,  horrid  night, 

A town  was  shaking  with  appalling  fright. 

And  myriads,  paralized  with  terror’s  spell, 
Benumbed  sunk  into  the  thundering  hell; 

So  did  in  Simah’s  house  the  sudden  news 
Of  Sol’s  calamity  the  guests  confuse; 

From  every  lip  the  Avord,  the  smile  did  fly. 
Amazement  stared  in  every  mien  and  eye; 

There  was  a pause,  a pause  of  growing  dread. 

The  throng  looked  pale,  but  Simha  Avhite  as  dead, 
“ Ah  what ! Who  says  it  ? Why  the  bride  arrest  ? ” 
Cried  here  and  there  a startled,  doubting  guest. 
When  entering,  the  bridegroom  with  his  friends. 
The  tidings  verified.  With  folded  hands 
The  whole  assembly  sad  and  silent  stands. 

While  Simha  realizing  her  distress 
Her  deep  affliction  moaning  doth  express : 

III. 

“ And  is  my  daughter  by  a ruthless  foe 
Constrained  to  break  her  sacred  bridal  vow. 

And  from  her  parents  must  forever  go  ? 

Or  will,  perhaps,  upon  this  throbbing  breast 


71 


Once  more  she  weeping  be  a welcome  guest? 

No,  no!  thus  prophesies  my  boding  soul, 

Not  they  return  who  into  craters  fall. 

The  sun  will  rise  and  sinh,  and  rise  again, 

I shall  lament  and  weep,  but  weep  in  vain. 

Where  is  our  gentle  bride,  my  friends,  oh  sa^^ 
Whose  joys  ye  came  to  share?  Away,  away 
Is  Sol,  alas,  a dove  in  vulture’s  claws, 

A twisted  victim  in  a tiger’s  jaws. 

Shall  innocence  before  a judge  her  aid 
Whom  to  ensnare  he,  sure,  a scheme  hath  laid, 

Or  agents  to  entrap  my  daughter  used 
When  him  to  follow  she  must  have  refused! 

Of  wrong  or  guilt  what  knows  my  godly  child 
Of  nature  sweet,  of  disposition  mild  ? 

She  who  for  all  the  sinners  daily  pray’d, 

Her  errors  with  remorseful  sobs  hath  paid ; 

Who  after  sunset  could  not  shut  her  eyes 
Till  she  for  friend  and  foe  besought  the  skies. 

She  like  a guilty  head  by  fales  accuse 
Delivered  is  to  tyranny’s  abuse ! 

Why  weep  ye,  mothers,  with  your  babes  anigh. 

Your  blooming  daughters  near,  why  weep  and  sigh  ? 
If  for  my  Sol  your  tears  do  flow,  and  me. 

Then  thank  you,  friends,  for  this  your  sympathy; 
But  fathom  not  unfathomable  woes. 

Not  my  affliction  is  the  one  that  goes 
Before  the  breath  the  fleshy  coil  foregoes. 

Oh  harsh  quintessence  of  life’s  misery 
In  bridal  dress  one’s  dearest  child  to  see 
Bemoved  by  men  to  pity,  love  unknown, 

Perchance,  chained  into  dingy  darkness  thrown. 
And  have  but  wails  such  outrage  to  bemoan! 

Thou  haggard  Want  waste  not  my  days  alone. 
Henceforth  Affliction,  thy  companion. 


72 


Shall  join  thee,  emaciated  ciab; 

Ye  weave  for  me  a melancholic  web, 

A poll  entwined  in  a darkfiil  loom, 

Whose  woof  is  sorrow  and  whose  warp  is  gloom. 
Thou  just  in  heavens,  who  thunder  wields,  and  storm. 
The  seraph’s  awe.  Upholder  of  the  warm. 

Thou  Lord  of  justice,  mercy,  cause  of  light, 

Sustainer  of  the  weak.  Thou  God  of  might ; 

If  prayers  of  a creature  thus  down-trod 
May  reach  Thy  throne.  Thou  greatest,  only  God, 
Then  grant  that  she,  who  always  Thee  adored 
Be  to  her  parents  and  her  spouse  restored  ; 

Oh,  heal  my  broken  heart,  my  mind  careworn. 

May  she  her  consort’s  hearth,  my  life  adorn. 

Impious  though  I am,  and  full  of  sin. 

Not  with  Sol’s  ruin  my  punishment  begin  ; 

If  I have  sinned  on  me  Thy  wrath  rebound, 

Instead  of  her,  let  me  bleed  on  the  ground.” 

IV. 

Thus  weeps  the  mother  in  her  deep  despond. 

Her  female  friends  her  sighs  and  tears  respond  ; 

The  groaning  mothers  Simha’s  pangs  do  share. 

But  Hachuel  yet  far  is  from  despair. 

Unflinching  faith  his  trusty  soul  enshrines. 

His  daughter’s  case  and  perils  he  divines  ; 

Yet  trusting  in  the  sayings  of  the  wise, 

He  hopes  that  men  through  trials  higher  rise  ; 

And  though  he  feels  in  him  a father’s  love. 

He  for  salvation  turns  his  eye  above. 

In  speechless  grief  him  ijext  stands  gray  Hazan 
Whose  loving  eye  the  bridegroom’s  features  scan  ; 

He  in  the  parents’  whelming  pains  partakes, 

Sol’s  dire  calamity  his  system  shakes 
And  in  him  olden  memories  awakes. 


73 


Ben  Zion  inly  glows  with  love  and  rage, 

He  lacks  the  prudence  and  the  calm  of  age,. 
But  not  the  power  passions  to  suppress, 

He  sighs,  he  groans  and  such  is  his  address  : 


V. 

‘‘Why  stand  we  idly  thus,  my  friends  and  sire, 
And  not  against  conspiracy  conspire  ? 

Shall  we  inactive,  cowardly,  and  mute 
The  lustful  tyrant  not  his  pray  dispute. 

And  undefended  let  the  winsome  bride 
Such  unexampled  detriment  betide  ? 

If  brutal  force  by  force  we  cannot  meet 
There  are  yet  means  vile  projects  to  defeat ; 
There  is  the  solemn  protest  of  the  bold. 
Undaunted  man,  there  is  bewitching  gold 
Which,  proffered.  Bedouin  and  Pasha  charms,. 
Their  bigotry  subdues,  their  hate  unarms. 
Therefore,  oh,  father,  ere  protest  we  try, 

Let  us  doubloons  in  Sol’s  behalf  apply. 

And  thus  the  tears  in  many  eyes  will  dry. 

For  well-bestowed  is  every  sacrifice. 

That  gains  for  us  the  precious  earthly  prize. 

For  thee  a daughter  dutiful  and  fair. 

For  me  a hope  to  save  me  from  despair. 

Nor  wealth  for  which  a greedy  world  doth  race. 
Nor  anything  the  crowds  deem  worth  the  chase,. 
Could  my  unmitigated  ills  remove 
Should  I reduced  be  to  resign  my  love. 

And  see  my  Sol  no  more  on  earth,  no  more 
The  only  being  I fervidly  adore! 

Oh  what  can  gold  afford  to  one  aggrieved 
Who  stands  about  all  phantoms  undeceived ! 

No  bleeding  soul,  nor  mind  with  pains  inflamed,., 
Nor  weeping  innocence  by  lust  defamed. 


74 


Nor  loss  of  beings  dear  can  gold  restore, 

Nor  wipe  out  vice  the  wisest  men  deplore  ; 

While  happy  we  can  make  the  starving  poor, 
Avert  the  reckless  hatred  of  the  Moor 
By  giving  him  what  he  would  rob  perforce  ; 

This  is  my  view,  and  such  should  be  our  course." 
With  willing  sense  the  sire  approves  the  plan 
And  thus  the  answer  made  by  kind  Kazan : 


IV. 

“ What  of  my  earnings  I have  laid  aside 
I offer  to  redeem  our  virtuous  bride  ; 

I hasten  to  prepare  a heavy  roll 
Of  Spanish  gold  we  tender  for  our  Sol. 

Meanwhile  you  toward  the  Pasha’s  gate  proceed. 
The  case  requires  unremitting  speed  ; 

And  full  acquaintance  with  the  dark  concern 
May  hasten  our  success  and  Sol’s  return. 

Forbid  it  Heaven  that  we  in  darkness  grope. 
Decisive  steps  will  realize  our  hope 
If,  knowing  of  the  cruelty  the  cause, 

We  of  our  means  conformably  dispose. 

Our  dearest  guest  will  us  his  wisdom  lend 
And  help  us  thus  our  daughter  to  defend. 

And  for  the  rest  we  on  the  One  rely  ; 

The  might  is  His,  for  us  remains  to  try ! ’’ 

VII. 

He  leaves  in  haste,  in  haste  the  others  part. 

All  gnawed  by  grief,  though  full  of  hope  they  start,. 
And  face,  ere  long,  the  Pasha’s  hateful  gate 
Which  holds  from  them  the  maiden  separate. 

To  Hachuel  the  portals  and  the  wall, 

That  keeps  his  child  enclosed,  seem  like  a pall 
Behind  which  rest  the  bloodless  features  sweet 


75 


Of  her  whom  he  beyond  the  grave  shall  meet 
In  garbs  angelic  and  in  bliss  divine. 

He  knows  not  why  his  child  he  doth  resign, 

But  inly  hears : “ On  earth  she  is  not  thine.” 

Unmanly  from  his  eyes  a torrent  breaks, 

His  wretched  state  mild  self-compassion  wakes; 
That  grizzled  head  that  never  shed  a tear. 

That  bore  life’s  bitterness  throughout  the  year. 
And  blessing  trusted  the  Supreme  above. 

Cannot  restrain  a parent’s  weeping  love. 

Which  unresisted  wrings  his  heaving  breast 
By  doubt  and  fear,  by  omens  ill  oppress’d. 

Oh  worst  of  evils,  agonies  intense 

To  men  unknown  who  in  their  feeling  sense 

Have  never  felt  the  torments  of  suspense ! 

But  he  who,  straying  on  the  leaping  sprays. 

Of  raging  surges  with  his  dearest  stays, 

And  shudders  lest  against  a treacherous  rock 
His  vessel  dashing  might  receive  the  shock. 

Which  him  and  them  might  shivering  through  the 
waves 

Send  headlong  to  un coffined,  watery  graves. 

But  he,  whom  such  impending  ruin  scares. 

May  comprehend  what  such  a parent  bears. 

VIII. 

Elias  knows  what  all  his  friends  endure, 

Elias  generous,  wise,  resigned,  and  pure, 

Eefers  the  father  to  all  heavens’  Lord, 

And  for  the  youth  he  likewise  hath  a word : 

“ When  I behold  the  little  good  the  rich 
By  deeds  of  charity  and  goodness  preach; 

How  often  man  from  sorrows  freed  and  sighs 
Claims  for  his  skill  what  he  owes  to  the  skies; 
Thinks  all  that  is  will  once  he  past  and  gone, 


76 


But  he  and  what  he  hath  survive  alone ; 

When  I this  folly  everywhere  descry 
I for  adversity  beseech  the  sky, 

Adversity  which  souls  doth  purify, 

And  teacheth  man,  when  pains  him  overcome, 
That  not  below  but  elsewhere  is  his  home. 

The  tempest-beaten  oak  the  storm  can  stand. 
Which  sweeping  elements  against  it  send. 

And  by  its  side  the  sapling  should  acquire 
The  strength  to  brave  the  cyclone’s  hurling  ire ! ” 
Ben  Zion  heeds  not  what  the  sage  doth  say, 
Bevenge  and  love  his  mind  and  bosom  sway; 

Amid  a crowd  before  the  oaken  gates 
His  father’s  presence  glowing  he  awaits; 

An  armed  guard  the  entrance  holding  bars 
The  way  and  threatens  him  who  nearing  dares 
x^dmittance  claim.  Impatient  kens  the  son 
Till  many  voices  call : There  comes  Hazan !” 

IX. 

“ Momentous  news  I for  the  Pasha  bear. 

The  great  affair  demands  immediate  care, 

A second’s  loss  might  harm  the  cause,  proceed 
At  once,  this  will  reward  thy  grateful  speed ! ” 
Hazan  thus  panting  to  the  guarding  chief. 

Who  nods  compliance  and  conveys  the  brief ; 

The  governor  much  concerned  the  message  learns,. 
With  granted  leave  the  chief  at  once  returns 
To  bring  Hazan  and  those  he  might  prefer 
To  follow  him.  The  son,  the  messenger, 

And  Haim  Hachuel  with  boding  fear 
Behind  the  massy  portals  disappear. 

X. 

“ Who  are  those  other  Jews,  Hazan,  with  thee? 
The  moody  Pasha  asks  imperiously. 


77 


“ I first  myself  intended  here  to  come 
And  thee  entrust  this  pretty  heavy  sum 
I would  not  hold  at  my  unguarded  home. 

An  incident,  meantime,  did  intervene. 

My  unique  son  a maiden’s  heart  did  win, 

This  day  the  nuptials  we  do  solemnize; 

But  fancy  our  unspeakable  surprise 
To  see  unpitied  from  the  bridegroom’s  side 
By  violence  removed  the  happy  bride. 

A Moslem  friend  a while  she  went  to  see, 

And  thence  escorted  she  was  led  to  thee. 

The  reason  is,  we  guess,  some  calumny. 

Her  sire  here  disconsolate  doth  stand. 

This  learned  sage  comes  from  the  Promised  Land, 
This  youth,  the  partner  of  the  maid,  my  son. 

But  shortly  reached  our  shore  from  Albion, 

To  hymenean  rites  this  day  is  given 
To  holy  matrimony  dear  to  heaven. 

My  age  and  station  tiust,  oh  mighty  Lord, 

The  frightened  girl  her  freedom  do  accord, 

And  I with  what  Tam  and  have  shall  face 
Whatever  may  prove  hurtful  in  the  case!  ” 

The  Pasha  ever  ready  Jews  to  curse 

Seems  mild;  he  smiling  takes  the  offered  purse; 

But,  while  he  speaking  thus  his  mind  avows. 

He  undiminished  acrimony  shows : 


‘‘On  my  impartial  measures,  Jews,  rely, 

But  justice’  course  I dare  not  to  defy. 

To  me  and  all  the  cadis  of  this  place 
Of  grave  importance  seems  the  present  case ; 
They  summoned  come  to  hear,  to  judge,  decide 
If  right  be  Thara  or  the  angry  bride. 

But  justice,  I affirm,  as  Alcoran 


78 


Imposes  on  the  faithful,  shall  be  done 
To  her,  who  now,  methinks,  tries  to  unsay 
What  to  a woman  she  confessed  this  day. 

As  ye  are  here  you  may  the  court  attend. 

But  let  the  maid  her  guiltlessness  defend. 
Disprove  the  charges  of  a witness  pure 
And  faithful,  or  her  parents’  creed  abjure ! ” 

Then  turning  round  he  leaves  the  Hebrews  mute 

With  stupifying  wonder,  to  salute 

The  coming  judges,  clad  in  dazzling  white. 

In  flowing  shawls  and  turbans  huge  and  bright. 
While  Hachuel  stands  like  a child  benumbed 
By  pealing  thunderbolts  and  lightning  dumbed. 
So  looks  a man  who  storm  and  night  doth  flee. 
Who  in  a cavern  seeks  tranquility. 

And  as  the  morning  grays  finds  it  a den 
Of  grizzly  reptiles,  who  are  death  to  men; 

He  teror-stricken  stares  with  bristling  hair 
And  dares  nor  bide,  nor  fly  the  horrid  lair. 

XII.  * 

Upon  a rug  within  a spacious  room 
The  cadis  summoned  to  pronounce  the  doom 
Of  Sol,  are  cross-legg’d  seated  all  composed 
In  earnest  look  and  mien,  as  if  disposed 
The  vengeful  parties  equally  to  treat 
Who  in  a moment  shall  contending  meet. 

They  deign  the  Hebrews  not  a friendly  glance; 
Contemptuously  they  look  at  them  askance 
Who  close  together  keep  themselves  aside; 

The  Pasha  ov’r  the  court  they  see  preside 
And  hear  him  thus  the  cadis’  judgment  guide: 

XIII. 

Ye  reverent  sages  of  our  holy  lore. 

Who  praise  the  Prophet  and  Allah  adore. 


79 


Impartial  wisdom  may  your  judgmeut  guide, 

With  truth  inspire  this  high  case  decide. 

There  stands  the  J ew  whose  daughter  in  converse- 
With  Thara  de  Mesmudi  oft  and  terse 
Expressed  her  inward  longing  and  her  need 
To  be  elated  by  a truer  creed 
Than  that  her  birth  did  on  her  soul  impose. 

And  friendly  Thara,  to  promote  her  cause, 

In  pleading  voice  to  me  for  help  appeals. 

The  state  of  things  she  clear  to  me  reveals; 

I for  the  Jewess  sympathy  conceive, 

And  in  my  house  I promise  to  receive 
The  maiden  yearning  for  the  blessed  skies, 

W'ho,  being  here,  her  sacred  vow  denies. 

Both  do  persist  that  all  they  state  is  truth, 

Thara  is  old,  the  maid  in  prime  of  youth; 

The  one  our  faith,  our  holy  faith  doth  pledge. 

The  other  owns  a faithless  parentage; 

Whom  shall  the  benefit  of  credence  we 
Accord,  whom  brand  with  falsehood,  infamy  ? 

Of  course,  you  hear  them  both,  reflect,  consult. 
And  then  announce  your  wisdom’s  true  result. 
Sheik,  the  parties  summon  and  straightway 
Let  justice  exercise  her  mighty  sway!” 

XIV. 

As  pitmen  startled  by  a rumbling  crush 
With  winged  haste  toward  the  outlets  rush. 

But  find  the  shafts  by  rocky  fragments  blocked, 
Themselves  alive  in  dreadful  graves  inlocked; 
They  gaze  aghast  with  wild,  terrific  fear. 

And  scarce  do  hope  again  to  reappear 
On  earth  to  breath  once  more  the  vital  air 
Of  day,  so  huge  was  Hachuel’s  despair 
When  he  the  governor  heard  his  child  denounce 


80 


And  subtly  in  advance  her  doom  pronounce. 

And  when  the  women  entering  he  did  see, 

Fair  Sol  in  chains,  the  false  accuser  free. 
Affliction’s  fiercest  arrow  struck  his  heart, 

Within  his  breast  he  felt  the  mortal  dart 
Of  unexpressed  wretchedness  and  woe. 

Which  at  the  inmost  vitals  knock  and  gnaw. 
“Wilt  thou;  oh  faithful  Thara,  what  this  morn 
Thy  lips  have  uttered  of  the  maiden  born 
And  bred  to  be  an  outcast  infidel. 

Wilt  thou  repeat  what  she  so  oft  did  tell 
About  her  longing,  purpose,  and  intent. 

About  her  inspirations  heaven-sent  ? 

Speak  unreserved,  thy  words  the  cadis  trust, 
Speak  all  the  Jewess  told  thee  in  tha  past. 

In  confidential,  kindly  intercourse. 

To  thy  conceiving  memory  recourse 

Have;  fix  the  date,  the  hour,  for  it  behooves 

To  back  thy  words  with  clear,  convincing  proofs ! 

Thus  evidence  convictive  to  provoke 

The  unmoved  Pasha  to  the  traitress  spoke. 

Who,  unconfounded,  Truth  and  Sol  defied. 

And  thus  with  lying  subtlety  replied : 


XV. 

“ So  may  great  Allah  this  girl  inspire  now 
As  she  to  worship  Him  on  earth  did  vow. 
Confiding  to  my  bosom  what  her  soul 
Was  yearning  for  beneath  as  highest  goal. 

‘ Enough  have  I,’  she  lately  said  to  me, 

‘ Of  such  a life  and  such  a destiny 
Of  beasts  more  worthy  than  of  man  with  thought 
Endowed.  By  shame  and  misery  untaught 
My  nation  many  a useless  battle  fought 
Unmeaning  customs  to  uphold  and  laws. 


6 


81 


Which  creeds  embitter,  multiply  our  foes, 
Estrangiug  us  from  every  soil  and  rule, 

A homeless  tribe,  the  butt  of  ridicule 
Helentless  persecutions  we  endure. 

Degrading,  slavish  treatment  cannot  cure 
A stiff-necked  race  as  was  and  is  the  mine. 

Who  in  their  whims  behold  a will  divine. 

And  to  a future  look  that  shall  redeem 
Benighted  millions  from  a fate  so  grim. 

Where  is  a man,  a people  here  to  meet 
Devoid  of  joy  and  recollections  sweet. 

Whose  study  is,  oppression  to  elude, 

Who  pass  a life  of  dreary  solitude  ? 

By  inauspicious  powers  in  the  past 
My  shipwrecked  race,  as  by  the  autumn’s  blast 
The  withered  leaves,  were  scattered  round  the  earth ; 
As  aliens  hated  in  their  place  of  birth 
Some  Pharoah  they  found  on  every  soil, 

A froshen  and  a yoke  of  crushing  toil ! 

Therefore,  if  I by  argument  could  free 
My  brethren  from  demeaning  slavery. 

My  weakness  would  not  hesitation  be ; 

But  action  prompt  would  their  deliverance  cause. 
And  thus  secure  thy  sisterly  applause; 

Then  one  would  be  our  faith,  but  one  our  heart. 

In  life  and  death  we  then  would  never  part. 

But  should  my  neck  I risk  and  daring  rouse 
Against  me  furies  in  my  parents’  house. 

Six  thousand  Hebrews  with  revenge  inspire. 

Who  would  our  hearth  beleaguer,  sting  my  sire. 

And  torture  him  until  he  would  succeed 
In  wrecking  me,  desertrice  of  his  creed? 

I watching  wait  for  some  propitious  day. 

The  chance  will  come,  Allah  will  lead  the  way  ! ’ 
Such  was  her  speech,  oh  holy  imansy  such 


82 


Her  frequent  topic,  which  my  soul  did  touch, 
Inciting  me  the  Pasha’s  help  to  gain — 

Allah  is  great,  my  pleading  proved  not  vain ; 
And  there  she  hears  who  surely  will  confirm 
Her  sacred  vow,  the  truth  of  every  term ! ” 

Now  Sidi  Mamed  at  Velus  did  rise 
Unable  his  abhorrence  to  disguise 
Of  infidels  Mohammed  taught  to  hate ; 

He  fiercely  looked,  and  opened  the  debate : 

XVI. 

“ Ye  mates  of  my  vocation,  friends  revered 
Convened  to  judge  the  weighty  case  we  heard; 
What  could  disprove  the  truth  a faithful  heart 
Thus  forcibly  to  Moslems  doth  impart? 
Consider  and  decide,  the  witness  said 
The  truth,  why  listen  to  the  Jewish  maid. 

Or  hear  the  contradictions  and  the  views 
Of  yonder  unreliable  band  of  Jews  ? 

The  maiden’s  confirmation  I should  hail, 

But  her  denial  is  of  no  avail. 

Her  testimony  being  valueless. 

And  this  is  the  conviction  I profess : 

The  J ewess  trained  among  the  false  and  blind. 
The  Jewess  vowed  but  modified  her  mind; 

This  frames  the  base  on  which  I take  my  stand. 
The  Jewess  mock’d  the  statues  of  our  land, 
Derided  what  the  Mussulman  reveres. 

Beguiled  friendship,  as  it  clear  appears; 

And  thus,  according  to  the  code  we  rate. 

Not  less  than  death  can  be  her  earned  fate 
Unless  her  vow  she  w*Lll  not  violate.” 

XVII. 

As  doth  the  swimmer  bathing  in  the  Nile 
Behold  with  awe  the  yawning  crocodile. 


83 


And  fancy,  ere  he  feels  the  horrid  jaws, 

That  he  to  fly  has  neither  chance  nor  cause; 

So  Hachuel  when  death  did  strike  his  ear 

Nor  speech  could  wield,  nor  strength  to  stand  and  hear 

His  daughter’s  undeserved  cruel  doom. 

Before  his  vision  spread  a night  of  gloom, 

His  eyes  grew  dim,  his  limbs  declined  to  serve. 

His  knees  did  quiver  and  his  frame  did  swerve. 

But  thou  Hazan,  compassionate,  agrieved, 

Had  not  thy  care  thy  fainting  friend  relieved 
He  swounding  would  lay  prostrate  on  the  ground; 

Thy  arm  doth  timely  grasp  his  waist  around 
And  by  a word  thou  dost  his  sense  restore. 

He  broken-hearted,  though,  as  heretofore. 

Astonished  sees  how  the  wise  messenger 
Protesting  straight,  undaunted  doth  declare 
The  flagrant  wrong  the  Pasha  doth  commit. 

His  quiet  gait,  his  countenance  wisdom-lit. 

His  hoary  locks,  his  manly  look  and  port. 

As  he  advancing  speaks,  impose  the  court. 

XVIII. 

“With  patience  hear  me,  cadis,  who  debate 
The  case  expounded  by  the  magistrate 
Of  this  important  bomb-defying  town 
As  prosperous,  magnificent  renown. 

Unprejudiced,  me  thinks,  the  judges  should 
For  justice’  sake,  arccord  fair  latitude 
To  the  accusant  and  to  the  arraigned ; 

If  one  is  free,  the  other  why  is  chained  ? 

Let  both  the  parties  equally  be  free. 

As  doth  befit  fair  impartiality. 

My  head  in  Palastine  grew  old  and  gray. 

Whose  people  Stamboul’s  lofty  throne  obey; 

That  throne,  surrounded  by  a great  Divany 


84 


Siuc3  wise  Sal  add  in  immortal  Solyman 
Was  consecrated  by  impartial  laws 
Affording  toleration  and  repose 
To  all  the  races,  tribes  and  creeds  within 
The  empire ; for  millions  prosper  in 
The  midst  of  undisturbing  Ottomans, 

Who  would  their  helpful  neighbors  not  force  hence 
By  violent  abuse  to  emigrate, 

To  seek  in  friendly  climes  a milder  fate 
And  thus  their  realm’s  extent  depopulate; 

They  would  not  with  industrious  masses  see 
Depart  their  riches  and  prosperity. 

How  could  a stranger  in  a land  remain 
Who,  when  accused,  pleads  innocence  is  vain, 
Where  out  of  malice  or  some  trivial  cause 
A base  imposter  ’gainst  him  may  impose 
And  thus  deceive  the  judges  and  the  laws, 

While  the  defendant  has  no  voice,  no  right 
For  reputation  and  his  life  to  fight  ? 

Against  such  tyranny  mankind  would  rage, 

An  unrelenting  war  a world  would  wage 
Inexorable  foes  to  extirpate. 

Who  rancor  foster  and  inhuman  hate ! 

No  code,  nor  common  sense,  nor  despot’s  tongue 
Can  sanction  heaven-crying,  harmful  wrong ! 
Without  two  witnesses  no  power  can 
Condemn  an  innocent,  protesting  man. 

Else  spiteful  natures  could  swift  ruin  bring 
On  those  they  disposition  feel  to  sting. 

Thus  ere  the  verdict,  worthy  cadis,  you 
Pronounce,  the  case  with  earnest  sense  review. 
When  you  shall  find  an  unsubstantial  base 
On  which  ye  can  scarce  found  a shade  of  case 
The  witness  and  accuser  stand  alone. 

Implicit  credence  justice  gives  to  none. 


85 


The  charges  brought  against  the  virtuous  bride 
By  her  remain  persistingly  denied; 

There  is  no  guilt,  scarce  evidence  to  face; 

Trust  not  in  all  a zealous  woman  says, 

And  out  of  naught  create  no  weighty  case ! ” 

XIX. 

Elias  thus  the  twaddling  judge  confronts 
And  indirectly  all  the  court  he  taunts 
With  partial  justice,  savage  enmity, 

With  glaring  wrong  and  inhumanity. 

Surprise  he  in  the  cadis^  look  discerns. 

Disdain  for  every  uttered  word  he  earns. 

But  look  for  look  sedately  he  returns ; 

And  with  unquailing  soul  the  court  beholds, 
Who  omnious  commotion  now  unfolds. 

Alarbi  Essaido  who  presides  ' 

In  vain  his  furious  indignation  hides, 

His  flaming  visage  inward  fury  shows, 

Unruly  his  irascible  temper  grows. 

As  pupil  looking  for  his  master's  help. 

As  to  the  dam  upstares  the  hungry  whelp, 

Both  conscious  of  their  unsustaining  state. 

So  gazed  the  Pasha  mute  and  desolate. 
Scanning  the  mien  of  all  his  learned  friends. 

On  whom  for  timely  succor  he  depends. 

While  disconcerted  they  each  other  view 
With  wonder  struck  at  the  untrembling  Jew; 
Nor  see  the  way  how  they  could  extricate 
The  Pasha  and  themselves  from  this  debate. 

At  length  the  chief,  resolved  to  vent  his  spleen. 
His  fierce  invective  rises  to  begin. 

When  him  confounding  Hazan’s  stately  heir 
For  Sol  doth  plead;  he  pleads  for  justice  fair. 


86 


XX. 


“Ye  judges,  claiming  power  to  decide 
Unproved  tlie  maiden’s  case,  who  is  my  bride, 

You  cannot  grudge  if  I in  her  defence 
Do  raise  my  voice,  and  plead  for  innocence; 

For  urgent  duty,  manhood  doth  command, 

And  love  impels  the  dearest  to  defend 
When  unprotected,  guitless,  helpless,  she 
With  death  is  menaced  and  ignominy. 

He  is  no  man  who,  dangers  to  avert. 

Can  outraged  womanhood  and  love  desert. 

My  bride  I claim,  she  is  by  law  my  own, 

I am  a citizen  of  great  Albion ! 

What  is  the  crime  of  Sol  whom  you  are  bent 
To  visit  with  a culprit’s  punishment  ? 

It  is  her  faith,  her  birth,  it  is  her  race 
Which  in  your  mind  is  equal  to  disgrace, 

Else  not  a woman’s  contradicted  talk 
Could  such  a zealous  heat  in  you  provoke. 

Whoever  knows  the  maiden  knows  too  well, 

How  proud  Judaic  feels  Sol  Hachuel, 

Who,  rather  than  her  sire’s  faith  adjure, 

Is  ready  persecution  to  endure. 

And  well  she  doth  in  loving  what  in  youth 
By  tender  lips  was  preach’d  to  her  as  truth. 

Who  may  those  sacred  sentiments  defile 
By  mother’s  kisses  nursed  and  father’s  smile! 

Ungrateful  he,  who  in  this  life  beneath 
To  his  descendants  would  not  that  bequeath. 

Which  from  departing  parents  he  received, 

W^hat  they  did  worship,  love,  what  they  believed ! « 

I blame  not  man’s  celestial  tendency 
A world-redeeming  champion  to  be. 

To  spread  enlightenment’s  elevating  seed. 


S7 


To  teach  his  fellow-man  the  heavenly  creed 
Of  human  brotherhood  and  generous  deed. 

Nay,  noble  is  such  heaven-pleasing  aim 
By  word  and  act  the  erring  to  reclaim, 

If  by  his  means,  while  striving  for  the  skies, 
Man  his  vocation  never  vilifies 
Diffusing  light  God-given  by  discourse 
And  unresisting  argument,  by  force 
Of  love  and  charity,  is  glory  pure 
No  kingly  triumphs  can  nor  time  obscure. 

A godlike  attribute  possesses  man 
Who  with  his  lofty  mind,  Ihs  earniugs  can 
Uncounted  beings  raise  above  the  brute; 

What  beast  can  boast  of  such  an  attribute! 
Jehovah  gives  and  mortal  man  can  give. 

And  be  like  God  to  him,  who  doth  receive 
The  timely  help  from  a well  doing  soul. 

The  maxims  leading  to  the  noblest  goal. 

But  when  his  means,  deceit  and  force  involve. 
When,  counteracting  difficulties  to  solve, 

He  human  right  and  liberty  invades. 

Defenseless  beings  heartlessly  degrades. 

Then  will  eternal  curse  the  tyrant’s  name 
With  stigma  brand,  a pyramid  of  shame 
Imperishably  rising  on  his  grave 
His  memory  forever  to  deprave ! 

No,  not  before  tyrannic  might  to  bow 
Did  Providence  the  race  with  mind  endow, 

With  sentiments  and  thoughts  to  rise  and  strive 
From  manhood,  liberty  their  pride  derive ! 

Nor  stern  privation,  nor  outrageous  wrongs, 

Nor  torture’s  rack,  that  awes  the  slavish  throngs, 
Can  him  induce  to  bear  a servile  lot. 

Whose  mind  is  soaring  in  the  realms  of  thought. 
His  being’s  mortal  part  he  will  uot  save 


If  in  a deadly  combat  he  must  brave 
Tire  base  adversaries  of  manly  right, 

Of  sacred  principles,  religious  light ! 

Let  him  be  silent,  even  if  a prince. 

Who  can  command,  but  knows  not  to  convince! 
If  your  religion  be  the  best  the  true. 

The  one  to  which  sole  reverence  is  due. 
Convince  the  world,  convince  myself,  my  bride. 
And  no  dissension  shall  our  faith  divide. 

Both,  otherwise,  we  worship  him  alone 
Who  since  eternity,  we  trust,  is  One! 

A thousand  witnesses  I can  produce 
Who  will  annihilate  the  false  accuse. 

That  Sol  did  ever  pledge  his  sacred  vow 
Her  dear  inheritance  thus  to  forego 
By  changing  creed  and  race.  Thus  in  the  name 
Of  truth  and  justice  I the  maiden  claim! 
Oppress  no  innocence,  her  sex  revere. 

Who  to  defend  themselves  but  have  the  fear, 
And  feeble  word,* which  iron  hearts  persuade; 
Unchain  my  Sol,  you  womanhood  degrade !” 

XXI. 

As  when  a rock  which  engineering  skill 
With  mountain-blasting  dynamite  did  fill. 

Is  on  a sudden  by  the  kindling  wire 
Transformed  into  fragments,  smoke  and  fire. 
Which  bursting  everywhere  create  a maze 
Of  dusty  clouds,  of  stones  and  fuseous  blaze; 

So  burst  the  Pasha  with  delirium  mad, 

His  limbs  did  quiver  and  he  shook  his  head ; 

He  lifted  clinched  fists;  his  goggling  eyes 
Did  flame  like  flashes  from  bedimmed  skies; 
Defiance  breathing,  baneful  hate  in  look. 

He  cried,  he  swore,  and  swearing,  thus  he  shook 


XXI. 


“Uumannered,  damned,  loathful  infidels 
Too  bad  for  demon’s  sport  within  black  hell’s 
Profundity,  ye  gorillas  unclean 
To  honor  lost,  ye  meaner  than  the  mean ; 

But  for  that  justice  which  your  lips  profane, 

Our  sacred  justice,  of  your  tribe  the  bane. 

You  would  the  venom  swallow  I could  give ! 

Boast  not  of  empty  triumphs  you  achieve 
By  unavailing  tiresome  dispute. 

As  if  a Jew  was  better  than  the  brute 
Allah  hath  made  the  faithful  to  obey. 

Who  may  it  use  alive  or  may  it  slay. 

Thy  Albion,  young  Jew,  we  can  defy; 

Nor  will  she  answer  when  a lad  doth  cry 
For  help ; she  ready  to  protect  a slave, 

Will  not  a Hebrew’s  fatal  perils  brave. 

And  what  if  daring  she  our  citadels 
Would  madly  thunderstrike  with  iron  shells; 

If  for  a Jew  those  infidels  would  fight. 

We  them  to  punish  have  as  well  the  might. 

Our  valiant  warriors  would  their  army  meet. 

Our  forts  would  silence,  or  destroy  their  fleet ; 
But  ere  the  foe  we  met,  a shot  we  fired, 

A thousand  victims  in  your  midst  expired. 

What  gain  ye,  Jews,  by  cunning  false  discourse? 
Ours  is  the  judgment,  reason,  ours  the  force. 
Infernal  Ihlees  with  his  hellish  crew 
Cannot  the  scorning  infidel  rescue, 

Who  dares  the  P.  ophet  and  the  Koran  mock. 

Or  pour  contumely  on  our  holy  flock . 

I yield  to  naught,  except  the  Koran’s  lore. 

That  but  the  Moslem  credence  gives  before 
A faithful  court  as  witness  to  maintain 


90 


His  testimony  ; the  infidehs  is  vain. 

So  much  I know,  the  cadis  know  the  rest, 

Who  heard  the  witness  here  the  truth  attest. 

The  truth  for  which  the  Moslem  wars  and  bleeds. 
The  Koran’s  truth  unknown  to  other  creeds !” 

xxiir. 

While  thus  the  Mussulmans  and  Hebrews  strove, 
The  maiden  felt  the  deepest  pangs  of  love. 

As  if  the  dearest  she  would  never  see, 

Nor  spend  a day  in  his  sweet  company. 

She  scann’d  the  sire  broken-hearted,  bowed. 

Whose  blood  in  her  transparent  features  flowed. 
With  crimson  blushing  was  her  lovely  cheek 
When  to  the  court  she  heard  her  lover  speak. 
Though  pale  and  trembling  with  profound  disgust, 
She  to  her  guiler  listened  to  the  last,  ^ 

And  Mamed  al  Veins  did  hear  with  gloom 
And  fear  pronounce  her  unexpected  doom, 

She  at  Elias’  dignified  appeal 

The  Semite’s  pride  and  consciousness  did  feel ; 

For  on  her  front  a pleasant  brightness  played 
Which  in  her  breast  emotion’s  flow  betrayed. 

But  as  in  cloudy  eves  the  lightning’s  spark. 

When  disappearing,  darker  leaves  the  dark. 

So  vanish’d  pleasure  from  the  face  of  Sol 
When,  ringing  through  the  long  and  spacious  hall. 
The  Pasha’s  foul  indignities  did  sound. 

And  did  her  love  and  faith  and  honor  wound. 

As  when  the  timid  sheep  the  wolf  espies 
And  with  her  lambs  for  life  and  safety  flies. 

But  overtaken  she  Ihe  foe  defies; 

Unmindful  of  her  weakness  and  her  end. 

She  with  the  bloody  beast  dares  to  contend. 

Till  torn  the  dam  her  bleating  young  forsakes; 


91 


So  at  this  moment  Sol  no  courage  lacks; 

Her  clinkiug  fetters  in  the  haud  she  takes, 

And,  blushing  though,  she  concentrated  stands; 

The  court’s  attention  she,  her  speech  commands. 
They  stare  astonished  at  the  virgin’s  nerve. 

Whom  friend  and  foe  with  like  respect  observe. 

Her  blushing  anger  hath  a grace  that  wins. 

She  colors,  pales,  and  paling  she  begins: 

XXIV. 

Blood-thirsty  though  the  tiger  Heaven  framed. 

He  not  the  stag’s  velocity  hath  lamed. 

Which  may  by  flight  escape  the  murderous  claws ; 
Not  so  the  Hebrew  can  the  Moorish  laws; 

No  right  he  hath  to  speak,  no  right  to  fly. 

And  when  he  strangled  is,,  he  must  not  cry ; 

When  wolves  tear  lambs,  the  lambs  may  cry  at  least. 
Will  Moor  be  worse  than  this  carnivorous  beast  ? 

I cannot  lies,  ignominy  avert. 

But  will  my  innocence  and  faith  assert. 

Thus  speak  I will  and  loud  my  outrage  state 
Before  resigned  I meet  my  tragic  fate. 

But  ere  I am  destroyed,  before  I die, 

Yile  Thara,  to  thy  face  I throw  the  lie. 

The  impudent,  the  fiendish  calumny! 

Thou  Satan’s  mate  consigned  to  blackest  hell. 

Thou  dost  in  forging  lies  that  fiend  excel! 

When  did  a syllable  I speak  to  thee 
Of  what  thou  here  didst  forge  to  ruin  me  ? 

The  hour,  the  moment,  the  occasion  name. 

If  thou  art  not  incapable  of  shame 
Thy  feigned  attachment  rating  I did  hear 
Thy  senseless  prattle  with  a patient  ear. 

Nor  deigned  it  worth  the  while  thee  to  oppose. 

Or  by  a word  thy  nonsense  to  expose; 


92 


For  by  indulgence  mild,  a sense  benign 
Is  friendship  prompted,  friendship  genuine. 

But  hours  ago  when,  sure  of  thy  deceit. 

Thou  tempting  didst  my  love,  my  people  hit 
With  piercing  hatred,  scorning  irony. 

Inviting  me  thy  Prophet’s  sheep  to  be, 

Whose  was  the  triumph,  whose  the  victory  ? 

I thrice  rejoined  thy  disdained  affront, 

I spurn’d  thy  odium,  offered  taunt  for  taunt ; 

Like  mad  hyena  gnashing  in  a cage, 

I saw  thee  grim  with  wild,  delirious  rage. 

Thou  hadst  no  sound  my  arguments  to  face, 

No  word  to  champion  thy  savage  race ; 

But  thy  revenge  is  that  debasing  guile 
Which  doth  thy  origin,  thy  faith  defile ! 

Before  the  fetich  altars  of  thy  sires, 

Where  human  blood  did  nurse  the  livid  fires, 
Wouldst  thou  yet  kneel  and  man  would  ever  bleed,. 
If  from  that  Moloch  Hebrews  had  not  freed 
Thy  ancestry,  and  taught  them  to  adore 
The  highest  Power,  taught  thy  Karan’s  lore. 

Yea,  know,  vain  guiler,  that  thy  sacred  book 
A Jew  composed,  who  charitably  took 
A portion  of  my  people’s  matchless  scroll 
And  taught  thy  Prophet  his  redeeming  roll. 

I fear  thy  rolling  eyes  not,  treacherous  heart. 

All  know  thy  faith  is  but  a borrowed  part ; 

Such  is  my  own,  such  is  the  savant’s  view. 

Thy  Koran’s  author  was  a subtle  Jew. 

I should  apostatize  if  fault  with  mine 
Belief  I found  and  godly  truth  with  thine; 

But  who  enabled  to  approach  the  fount  . 

That  oozes  bubbling  from  the  cloven  mount,. 

Will  to  a channel  go  his  thirst  to  quench. 

Of  slimy  mire,  foul,  pestiferous  stench  ? 


93 


Ay,  rule  thy  passions,  who  wouldst  rule  this  town 
Though  Pasha  thou,  I dare  defy  thy  frown; 

Thy  soul  is  barren  and  thy  blood  is  hot, 

I death  contempt  and  fear  thee,  tyrant,  not! 
Abuse  thy  power,  and  a girl  destroy. 

May  murder  be  thy  ever-lasting  joy; 

I for  my  honor  and  my  God  will  die. 

And  with  my  gore  the  One  I sanctify. 

And  thou  shalt  live  to  find  that  traitress’  lie ! 

But  know,  imperious  governor,  that  the  great 
Jehovah  will  this  empire  desolate, 

When  thy  descendants  shall  thy  crimes  deplore 
And  prostrated  they  shall  pay  gore  for  gore! 

He  is  the  One  of  justice  and  revenge. 

Who  will  thy  sense  of  happiness  derange. 

And  smite  this  imprecated  land  with  woes. 

With  famine,  pest,  with  overwhelming  foes ! 

Not  for  the  Sultan’s  throne,  imperial  sway 
Would  I my  parents  and  my  God  betray. 

And  Islam  choose,  a branch  of  J udah’s  tree. 

By  crimes  defiled,  soil’d  by  polygamy — 

My  parents,  ah,  from  you  I must  depart, 

And  thou,  Ben  Zion,  sovereign  of  my  heart! 

You  will  console  each  other,  dry  your  tears. 

Until  we  meet  again  in  yonder  spheres 
Where  hunted  Virtue  hath  no  bitter  strife 
With  all  the  vices  of  this  sinful  life. 

I die  forgiving  and,  I trust,  forgiven 
By  all  my  brethren  and  by  gracious  Heaven. 

As  Jephtha’s  daughter,  with  devoted  mind 
I for  my  people’s  triumph  die  resign’d.” 

XXV. 

Abdelkrem  al  Fassal,  a mannered  Moor 
Of  wide  renown,  uprose  to  claim  the  floor. 


94 


'Gibraltar  saw  he  twice,  he  Marseilles  viewed, 
Where  he  with  outward  polish  was  imbued; 

He  thither  by  the  Fezzian  court  was  sent 
The  Shereef’s  majesty  to  represent. 

When  he  successfully  his  country’s  cause 
Upheld ; and  since  in  rank  and  force  he  rose. 

He  was  the  great  Ahithophel  of  the  realm ; 

The  first  in  council  he  did  steer  the  helm 
Of  state,  when  him  the  Sultan  did  convoke; 

The  British  and  the  Gallic  tongues  he  spoke. 

And  with  Oriental  earnestness  combin’d 
An  independent,  penetrating  mind; 

A bent  inferior  colleagues  to  perplex. 

And  those  in  power  unprovoked  to  vex. 
Unrivalled  stood  he  in  his  might  and  wealth 
Accumulated  by  unpunished  stealth. 

He  seven  wives  and  forty  children  had ; 

A sumptuous  but  a Moslem  life  he  led, 

And  ninety  slaves  acknowledged  him  their  head. 
He  fields  possessed,  and  gardens  vast,  and  flocks. 
He  wore  the  hue  of  health,  though  gray  his  locks. 
Him  feared  the  Pasha  and  the  cadis  all, 

He  could  their  state  promote  or  cause  their  fall, 
And  thus  no  breath  the  deepest  silence  broke. 

As  he  uprose,  and  stressfully  he  spoke  : 

XXVI. 

To  add  my  voice  to  this  dispute  I rise. 

If  you,  my  colleagues,  value  my  advice. 

We  scarce  can  here  decide  the  present  case 
Nor  solemn  protest  on  Sol’s  part  efface  ; 

Since  we  not  stand  the  highest  in  the  state. 

Thus  prudent  caution  we  necessitate. 

Of  life  and  death  we  arbiters  to  be. 

It  does  not  seem  we  have  authority. 


95 


Even  if  by  a Avitness  to  indict 
We  bad  a right,  we  cannot  her  convict, 

And  the  decided  punishment  inflict. 

Without  oiir  emperor’s  confirming  sea]. 

Who  might  not  sanction  overhasty  zeal. 

Would  great  Allah  had  spared  us  such  a scene 
To  see  two  wrangling  women  whet  their  spleen,. 

As  if  to  capture  converts  was  indeed 
Of  every  true  Mohammedan  the  creed! 

As  thoughtless  boys  encouraged  by  a whim. 
Untaught  across  a river  try  to  swim. 

And  midway  all  exhausted  find  too  late 
How  much  their  muscle’s  nerve  they  OA^errate, 

But  struggle  on  while  fearing  to  return  ; 

So  are  Ave  fixed  in  this  unblest  concern. 

Neither  to  free  the  Jewess  nor  to  try 
Her  we  have  right ; the  case  to  specify 
By  Avrit  to  Fez  and  wait  for  the  reply. 

Or  hither  send  the  maid,  I deem  it  wise; 

Here  is  the  pith  and  gist  of  my  advice.” 

XXVII. 

Alarbi  discomposed  doth  meditate 
How  to  abridge  the  Avearisome  debate. 

Disconcert  he  beholds  in  every  gaze. 

No  voice  the  speaker  seconds  nor  gainsays. 

Not  like  his  valiant  ancestors  of  old. 

Who  did  in  conquered  Spain  dominion  hold. 

When  they,  the  sole  support  of  right  and  thought,. 
Like  lions  battle  after  battle  fought. 

The  modern  Moor  is  coAvardly,  abject; 

Depraved  in  morals,  fierce,  he  doth  aubject 
The  resident  of  foreign  creed  and  race 
To  humiliation,  cruelty,  disgrace, 

And  deems  his  Avretched  state  a state  of  bliss. 


96 


While  trampled  by  the  worst  of  tyrannieSi 
Thn«  overawed  his  voice  the  Pasha  raised 
And  eulogizing  al  Fassal  he  praised, 

As  prudent,  cautious,  thoughtful,  great,  and  wise; 
He  thank’d  him  for  his  excellent  advice. 

As  if  within  his  soul  he  did  not  hate 
That  spurning,  proud,  imperious  potentate: 

XXVIII. 

“ Oh  happy  land  that  owns  the  wisest  brain. 

Whose  wisdom  guides,  whose  eloquence  must  gain 
The  dullest  man  who  hath  an  open  ear 
Such  noble  truths,  such  principles  to  hear ! 

Thus  have  our  thanks  and  have  our  love  withal ; 
With  cautious  prudence  we  comply  in  all. 

We  send  the  Jewess  with  minute  report 
At  once,  perhaps,  to  the  imperial  court; 

This  will  us  spare  all  possible  reproach. 

On  sovereign  rights  no  subject  should  encroach  ! ” 

XXIX. 

Thus  ends  the  governor,  and  the  court  withdraws. 
The  Hebrews  see  a future  night  of  woes. 

But  on  the  One  rely,  the  One  who  saves 
The  upright  souls  from  decomposing  graves. 

Ben  Zion  nimbly  nearer  steps  his  bride 
Her  fears  to  calm,  her  sorrows  to  divide. 

And  “ Oh,  my  sweetest,  unsurpassed  Sol, 

Let  not  fchy  courage  sink,  thy  firmness  fall. 

For  on  thy  way  to  Fez  Ben  Zion  will 
Thee  follow,  love’s  devotion  to  fulfill. 

If  love  of  virtue  from  this  land  is  gone 
It  burns  yet  in  one  heart,  mine  is  the  one  ! ” 

No  time  to  add  another  word  they  grant. 

Whom  to  imprison  Sol  the  Pasha  sent; 


7 


97 


Her  to  Dar  Etka,  dungeon  of  the  town, 

They  thro’  the  market  pushing  hurry  on, 

While  with  his  friends  of  anguish  overcome. 

Her  sire  enters  his  deserted  home. 

XXX. 

Why  roll  thy  eyeballs  with  unearthly  glow. 

Thy  frothy  lips  with  foam  why  overflow; 

Why  at  thy  laugh  the  frightened  children  flee, 
Why  are  all  horrified  at  seeing  thee, 

Unfortunate  Simha  ? Thee  madness  frees 
From  coming  woes  and  present  agonies. 

They  speak,  beseech,  console  thee — all  is  vain. 
Deranged  is  thy  intelligential  chain. 

Each  hour  thy  raving  mania  doth  enhance. 
Henceforth  thy  soul  is  full  of  dissonance; 

So  yells  a trumpet  when  the  fight  is  fierce. 

Its  mouth  a missile  suddenly  doth  pierce. 

When  brass,  and  tube,  and  screams  remain  alone. 
But  consonance  and  music  are  all  gone. 

XXXI. 

And  thou,  Hazan,  art  also  sorely  tried 
To  see  thy  heir  bereaved  thus  of  his  bride. 

And  hear  thy  son’s  unchangeable  resolve 
To  track  his  love,  which  hazards  doth  involve. 
“Wilt  thou  thy  hoary  sire,  dearest  son. 

In  life’s  severest  winter  leave  alone, 

And  Moslem  hate  and  bloody  vengeance  brave. 
And  let  me  childless  sink  into  the  grave  ! ” 

So  speaks  the  father,  and  the  son  replies : 

XXXII. 

“ It  is  not  love  that  in  the  bosom  dies 
When  things  enforce  a real  sacrifice. 


Shall  I my  Sol,  my  virtuous  bride  desert 
In  hours  of  gloom,  not  thus  my  strength  exert, 
My  brains,  my  means,  my  time,  myself  employ, 
And  let  fell  villainy  my  girl  destroy  ? 

Too  feeble  is  my  inexperienced  hand. 

Too  weak  my  power  assistance  her  to  lend. 

But  she  shall  know  that  near  her  is  a friend. 
Who  means  for  her  to  work,  for  her  to  die ; 

Be  hopeful,  father,  such  a friend  am  I. 

I shall  ^ot  long  remain  from  thee  away. 

But  here,  dear  father,  here  I must  not  stay ! ” 

XXXIII. 

“ Nor  I,  the  messenger  doth  interject. 

With  thee,  Ben  Zion,  I to  part  project; 

Thy  noble  impulse  Heaven  will  approve. 

And  men  revere  thy  true,  unselfish  love. 

We  both  proceed  and  try  what  may  be  done 
For  Sol,  and  shall  return  to  meet  Hazan, 

And  to  her  parents  lovely  Sol  restore ; 

Your  cause  entrust  the  One  whom  we  adore ! ” 


SnUiopii. 

I. 

Eleven  times  in  their  cerulean  height 
The  sphere  of  day  outshone  the  orbs  of  night, 
While  on  her  way  escorted  by  a train 
To  Fez,  Sol  grievous  hardships  did  sustain, 
And  bore,  beside  exhaustion  of  her  frame, 

A glowing  mind  consumed  with  torture’s  flame 
For  not  the  past  and  instant  ills  she  bore, 
Impending  woes  her  tender  bosom  tore. 

The  escort,  as  the  sun  in  west  descends. 

Before  Garb  Pliques  pitch  their  shabby  tents. 
This  station  being  of  the  inns  the  last 
Where  they  did  nightly  rest  and  took  repast. 
To-morrow  sacred  Fez  they  shall  behold 
With  hundred  mosques  glittering  with  gold, 
With  lustrous  tinsel,  mosaics  arabesque. 

Grand  chandeliers,  embroidery  moresque. 

The  Moslems  fall  upon  the  turf  and  pray. 

They  Allah  thank  for  the  expiring  day ; 

For  happiness  they  pray,  implore  for  life 
In  their  fourth  orison  of  the  sacred  five. 

Then  food  and  drink  their  spirits  animate. 
Around  a fire  stories  they  narrate 
Of  Mecca’s  miracles,  the  caliph’s  hoards, 

Who  thousand  fairs,  a million  warriors  boards 
In  marble  palaces,  like  the  Divan 


102 


With  gilded  walls  of  godlike  Solyman. 

Sol  from  her  tent  looks  at  the  crimson’d  west, 
Though  tired,  she  can  neither  eat  nor  rest ; 

For  all  her  thought  and  heart  to  him  belong, 

Who  is  to  her  the  dearest  of  the  young. 

The  trail  coruscant  of  the  fading  day 
Now  pales  and  quivers,  and  soon  dies  away, 

And  lets  dim  twilight,  linking  night  and  day, 

Her  dusky  veils  upon  all  nature  spread, 

And  lets  the  stars  their  twinkling  lustre  shed. 

The  breeze  with  flowery  spoils  encumbered  moves 
Through  fragrant  meads,  through  fields  and  musky 
groves. 

And  whispering  disturbs  the  quietude 
Prevailing  now  in  every  glen  and  wood. 

Allah  again  the  Moors  combined  adore 

Then  in  their  tents  Sol  hears  them  sleep  and  snore. 

When  she,  delivered  from  their  watchful  sight. 

Thus  with  her  prayer  stirs  the  still  of  night. 

II. 

“ Oh  Thou,  who  heart-afflicted  Hannah’s  cry 
Didst  loving  answer  from  the  lofty  sky. 

In  Thee  I trust,  resigned  to  Thy  decree 
I suffer,  die,  I die  submissively. 

For  dark  to  mortal’s  eye  are  all  thy  ends, 

Unwilling  he  beneath  pain’s  fardel  bends. 

Yet  oftimes  sacrifices  all  his  real 
To  the  unknowable,  to  the  ideal ! 

Oh  what  is  death  for  good  and  fame  endured 
If  by  one’s  life  a hundred  souls  be  cured 
Of  such  diseases  as  the  mind  infest 
With  those  distempers,  which  the  wise  detest  I 
If  with  my  blood  my  parents’  peace  I paid. 

My  people’s  woes  and  enemies  allay’d. 


103 


1 should  no  better  lot  implore  of  Thee, 

Thou  Wisdom’s  Owner  wrapt  in  mystery! 

But  thinking  Sol  un^worthy  of  such  fate, 

Her  slandered  race  and  self  to  expurgate, 

I fear  that  I the  hangman’s  steel  must  brave 
For  perpetrated  wrongs,  transgressions  grave. 
And  even  then  before  Thy  will  I beud 
And  into  darkness  I resigned  descend. 

But  graut,  Immutable,  that  I alone 
May  for  my  follies  and  my  sins  atone! 

My  moaning  parents  ia  their  boundless  dole. 
Thou  Lord  of  love,  my  parents  do  console, 

And  let  the  youth  I love  my  fall  survive, 

And  if  on  way,  let  him  in  time  arrive. 

That  I may  see  him,  ere  I siuk  and  die 
And  by  mine  death  my  honor  justify!” 

Ill 

Consoled  upon  her  pMlefc  Sol  doth  weep. 

Until  her  tearful  eyes  are  sealed  in  sleep. 

Around  her  fancy  visions  awful  flit,  ^ 

She  roves  through  regions  dark  and  fields  star-lit. 
As  he,  who  fleeing  from  revenge,  a spot 
In  dismal  wildnerness  as  refuge  sought 
To  rest  his  head,  and  while  he  on  a stone 
Beneath  the  starry  canopy  alone 
In  that  inhospitable  quarter  dreamed. 

He  angels  saw,  the  heavens  open  seemed. 

From  utmost  heights  he  heard  a voice  resound, 

A voice  that  promised  all  the  lands  around 
Shall  be  his  children’s  undisputed  ground; 

So  Sol  in  dream  unheard-of  wonders  eyed 
And  knew  her  triumph,  even  ere  she  died. 

IV. 

Who  are  yon  figures  in  the  hazy  gloom. 

Who  in  the  darkness  prominently  loom. 


104 


And  close  and  closer  with  some  fix’d  intent 
Draw  nigh  the  maiden’s  unregarded  tent? 

Thy  friends  they  are,  Sol,  following  thy  trail, 
They  with  the  escort’s  chieftain  did  prevail 
To  let  them  spend  an  hour  or  more  with  thee. 
To  cheer  thy  soul  in  thy  calamity. 

“ I watch  the  entrance,  while  you  speak  to  her, 
To  be  on  the  alert  I do  prefer; 

My  orders  bid  to  bar  your  way  to  Sol; 

Yet  start  not  hence 'before  I warning  call. 

And  when  I warn  you  linger  not  but  start, 
There  might  be  danger,  lose  no  time  and  part !” 


The  chief  did  end  and  at  a distance  laid 
Upon  a mat  to  sleep,  and  to  the  maid 
With  hasty  pace  the  Hebrew  did  repair; 

They  found  the  girl  asleep  with  matted  hair. 

A taper’s  yellow,  sparing  light  did  fall 
Upon  the  lovely  face  and  frame  of  Sol, 

Whose  rosy  cheek  did  with  Aurora’s  vie 
As  she  reposing  smiled  there  dreamingly, 

And  had,  like  dew  upon  a flushing  rose. 

On  her  the  perspiration  of  repose. 

Dream  on,  dream  on,  forever  dream,  oh  child, 
How  kind  that  sleep  that  all  thy  woes  beguiled, 
And  thee  removed  from  harsh  reality 
To  let  thee  taste  sweet  immortality ! 

Ben  Zion  hid  his  flowing  tears  in  vain. 

His  breast  was  rent  by  tenderness  and  pain ; 
The  hoary  sage  did  turn  his  eyes  away. 

Too  full  his  heart,  he  had  no  word  to  say. 

While  overcome  with  love  and  sympathy. 

The  bridegroom  bow’d  upon  his  bended  knee. 
His  lip  did  touch  the  roseate  mouth  of  Sol — 


105 


He  could  his  temper,  not  his  love  control. 

The  bride  awakened,  smiled,  the  kiss  re'turned, 

A heavenly  fire  in  her  eyeballs  burned. 

Elias’  hand  she  kiss’d,  but  no  surprise, 

Betrayed  at  seeing  them  in  strange  disguise, 

The  lover  and  the  messenger,  the  wise. 

So  unexpected  near  her  wretched  couch. 

As  if  apprised  she  was  of  their  approach. 

“ Why  smiles  my  girl  ?”  the  youth  in  thought  did  weigh, 
“ So,  pitiful,  forlorn,  and  yet  so  gay! 

Oh  may  sound  reason,  which  thy  mother  fled, 

Forever  bide  in  this  thy  beauteous  head !” 

So  thought  Ben  Zion,  so  the  messenger. 

They  scann’d  the  bride,  but  durst  not  question  her. 
When  she  her  visions  in  exalting  tone. 

Her  friends  recounted  and  recounting  shone. 

VI. 

“ Prepare,  oh  friends,  prepare  to  hear  a tale 
That  shall  deep  mysteries  to  you  unveil. 

And  in  your  bosom  slumbering  echoes  wake. 
Perchance,  your  souls  with  joy  and  shudder  shake. 
Rejoice  that  I was  deigned  alive  to  ken 
The  blest  and  curst  left  to  the  choice  of  man. 

Who  is  no  being  destined  to  decay 
Below  as  all  the  creatures  made  of  clay. 

But  to  seraphic  glory  may  ascend 
If  he  the  godly  spark  in  him  doth  tend. 

And  not  to  pleasure,  perishable  mirth 
Devotes  his  spirit  of  celestial  birth ! 

The  Lord  beseeching  for  my  people’s  weal, 

I likewise  pray’d  my  parents’  wounds  to  heal. 

And  thee,  my  dearest,  I including  named 

Till  sleep  and  dream  my  wakeful  senses  claimed. 

No  sooner  had  I shut  my  eyes  in  rest 


1C6 


Than  tons  of  weight,  methought,  roll’d  off  my  breast, 
And  seemed  my  trunk  as  volatile  and  light 
As  we  imagine  is  the  airy  spright. 

And  lo ! if  hitherto  in  dark  I dwelt 

And  on  my  gaze  the  scales  a charm  would  melt, 

I could  not  more  the  sunny  orb  admire 
Than  now  I did  that  orb’s  celestial  fire. 

That,  like  a radiant  ocean,  dazed  my  eyes, 

And  seemed  to  set  on  flame  the  boundless  skies ; 

So  vast,  enormous  grew  the  lustrous  ball 
That  half  he  covered  the  cerulean  wall. 

Yet  far  beyond  that  star  I could  behold 
Uncounted  globes  shedding  the  beam  of  gold. 

Each  seven-fold  surpassing  in  his  size 
The  one  to  mortals  in  the  east  doth  rise, 

While  hues  and  shapes  unseen  by  human  eyes 
I everywhere  beheld  adorn  the  skies. 

And  sweet  beyond  conception  flow’d  from  high 
A symphony,  which  from  mv  dazzled  eye 
Drew  forth  a tide  of  such  angelic  tears 
As  spirits  weep  in  the  Elysian  spheres. 

Enraptured  thus  I stood  and  all  forgot. 

My  past,  my  present,  and  my  future  lot, 

For  in  my  transport,  blessedness  divine, 

Methought,  the  universe  and  stars  were  mine; 

And  turning  upward  my  far-seeing  gaze 
I saw  the  empyrean  all  ablaze 
With  radiance  beaming  of  two  powers  bright 
Descending  swiftly  from  unmeasured  height. 

And  leaving  back  effulgent  trails  of  light. 

And  judge  my  wonder,  rapture,  judge  my  pride- 
When  both  I saw  alighting  at  my  side 
And  with  cherubic  mildness  look  at  me. 

Who  felt  the  bliss  of  sweet  eternity ! 


107 


VII. 


All  blandishment  in  gesture  and  in  tone, 
Compassion  heavenly  in  her  mien,  the  one, 
With  spear  of  burning  gold  uplifted ; red 
With  rubies,  glowing  thick  with  gems  on  head 
A glorious  crown,  did  lovingly  embrace 
My  humble  self  with  inexpressible  grace. 
Immense  her  stature  towered  over  mine. 

Her  mantle  sparkled  with  all  hues  divine  ; 

Not  brilliant  Iris  when  in  glories  clad 
In  aught  resembles  what  her  lustre  shed. 

I see  that  heavenly  figure  high  uprear 
While  speaking  thus  to  me,  her  giant  spear  : 
Lapidoth’s  consort  when  on  earth  I was 
To  fame  immortal  I by  justice  rose  ; 

My  groaning  brethren  I from  Hazor  freed 
When  Sisera’s  host  on  Kishon’s  banks  did  bleed. 
From  Tabor’s  top  responding  to  my  cry 
Two  clans  did  rush  to  arms  and  victory. 

And  Israel,  by  heathens  not  oppressed. 

Enjoyed  his  faith,  his  liberty,  and  rest. 

Not  mine  the  triumph  was,  but  awful  Jah 
Did  brace  the  mind  of  humble  Deborah, 

Who  now  is  dwelling  in  eternal  peace 
In  yonder  regions  of  ineffable  bliss ! ’ 

VIII. 

But  gentler  than  mild  Zephyr’s  playing  gales 
When  he  sweet  Flora  plundering  assails. 

And  Hesper  on  the  flirting  couple  leers 
And  with  a smile  the  hunting  lover  cheers  ; 
Delicious  as  the  sunny  beam  in  jail 
Where  subteranean  darkness  doth  prevail, 

The  other  wrapt  in  iridescent  sheen 


108 


stood  crowned  and  sceptered  like  a heavenly  queen. 
Angelic  meekness  on  her  countenance  shone 
When  she  began  thus  in  a gracious  tone  : 

‘ Hadassah,  on  this  gloomy  orb  renown, 

I durst  confront  my  royal  partner’s  frown, 

When  Haman,  with  his  rank  intoxicate. 

For  Israel  prepared  a dire  fate. 

Ahasverus  retracted  his  decree. 

My  intercession  Jacob’s  progeny 

From  murderous  violence  and  ruin  saved  ; 

And  for  the  danger,  which  on  earth  I braved, 

I am  permitted  in  a blissful  seat 

With  equal  sp rights  in  blessedness  to  meet. 

Commanded  by  the  highest  Will,  oh  child. 

We  let  thee  view  the  terrible  and  mild. 

The  blest  and  curst  awaiting  man  born  free 
To  choose  the  blest  and  live  in  harmony 
With  Him,  who  in  the  excellent  delights 
And  lifts  the  humble  to  ethereal  heights.’ 


IX. 

She  ends,  and  flings  a garment  round  my  frame, 
A zone  with  pinions  of  seraphic  dame 
She  girdling  throws  around  my  tightening  waist. 
Imparting  power  for  upsoaring'  haste  ; 

And  now  betwixt  the  queenly  pair  I start. 

With  lightning’s  swiftness  we  upshooting  dart ; 
Beneath  the  land,  the  main  and  all  doth  fade 
In  distance  lost,  impenetrable  shade. 

While  upward  sweeping  I to  left  and  right 
Unnumbered  worlds  behold  of  blazing  light. 
Careering  through  unbounded  space.  A thrill 
Of  unfelt  rapture  doth  my  bosom  fill 
As  darting  through  the  awful,  sacred  still 
Canorous  tunes  I distinctly  can  hear 


1G9 


Enravishingly  flowing  from  a sphere 
That  we  pass  by  with  nndiminish’d  haste 
And  plunge  anon  into  a rayless  waste. 

For,  changing  now  our  skyward  archy  flight, 

We  speed  adown  unto  the  realms  of  Night ; 

And  after  winging  through  a darkness  dense, 

A fearfur  silence  and  a frost  intense. 

At  last  we  check  awhile  our  fleet  carreer 
And  light  upon  a pitchy  hemisphere.” 

X. 

Oh,  darkness,  desolation  black  and  drear 
Terrific  frowns  the  majesty  you  wear, 

Gorgonian  terrors  people  your  abodes 
To  angels  hateful,  men  and  demigods  ; 

For  they  created  to  behold  the  sun. 

Instinct  with  dread,  your  terrible  regions  shun. 
Unless  redeeming  missions  lead  them  here 
When  love-inspired  they  contempt  all  fear ! 

Yet  in  your  realms  creative  fiats  rung, 

From  your  immensity  the  suns  have  sprung  ; 
Your  sacredness  my  lips  shall  not  profane. 

Your  empires  no  mortal  can  distain ; 

But  them  I mourn  who  in  your  gulfs  must  dwell. 
Whom  sins  and  crimes  from  empyrean  expel ! ” 

XI. 

“ As  when  the  earth  by  mountain-cleaving  spasms 
To  man  displays  her  subterranean  chasms — 
When  by  the  lightning  and  the  day  combined 
He  views  the  gaps  that  terrify  the  mind. 

And  prostrate  sinks  and  thanks  the  gracious  sky 
Who  such  abysses  hides  from  mortal  eye  ; 

So  when  alighting  on  that  craggy  ground 
With  clefts  and  cliffs  and  cracks  and  dark  around  ; 


112 


When  of  my  guides  the  pure  efPulgent  light 
Illumined  all  those  hideous  scenes  of  night, 

I tremblingly  my  fervors  heavenward  sent 
In  adoration  of  the  Omnipotent, 

Who  in  benignity  and  love  divine 

Lets  on  the  upright  soul  his  glories  shine  ! 

XII. 

“ Before  us  yawning  in  a rocky  chain 
A lofty  portal  clove  the  range  in  twain, 

If  gulf  in  which  the  Atlas,  like  a stone 
Thrust  into  Flute's  Gme,  would  roll  adown 
And  sinking  no  disturbance  cause,  such  name 
May  bear.  Deborah  here  I heard  exclaim: 

‘ Oh,  child  of  clay,  immortal  now  through  fame. 

Fear  Gai-Zalma'ceth  not  for  man  ordained. 

But  sinful  sprights  in  yon  pits  are  detained  ! 

Thou  shaft  the  doom  of  crime  behold,  and  learn 
What  righteousness  in  upper  worlds  may  earn.’ 

She  spoke  and  with  her  mate  the  wings  outspread 
And  into  yonder  horrid  black  they  sped 
Abreast  with  me  amid  heart-griping  noises. 
Tempestuous  whirlwinds,  thunder,  flames,  and  voices 
Of  fierce  Tartarean  elements  unchained. 

Demoniac  yells,  sulphurious  damps,  that  reigned 
Supreme  with  pestilential  stench  around 
On  that  unbounded,  quaking  brimstone  ground; 
Which,  sloping  under  a vast  concave,  did 
Ds  to  unfathomed  depth  and  horrors  lead. 

We  hell-ward  swept  despite  of  palpable  dark. 

Ever  and  anon  disturbed  by  a spark 
Of  forked  lightning  hurried  here  and  there. 

That  left  the  regions  blacker  than  they  were. 

Till  some  ambiguous  dawn  us  to  a lake 
Of  livid  fire  drew,  which,  by  mistake. 


111 


I deemed  a moonlit,  cloudy  eve  or  morn 
Too  bleak  and  dreary,  even  for  the  earth-born. 

The  fiery  billows,  lashed  by  tempest,  flowed 
Above  the  strand,  that  like  a furnace  glowed; 

They  forking  spread,  and,  hurled  by  the  blast, 

Did  overflow  a black  rotunda  vast, 

Edged  on  three  sides  by  jagged  sulphur  rocks 

Quaking,  heaving,  sublimed  by  dreadful  shocks, 

Unquenchably  inflamed  within  the  core 

With  fierce  combustion,  which  breaking  forth,  tore 

Their  ribs  and  sent  a lava-deluge  out 

From  thousand  clefts  which  thundering  did  spout: 

‘ Here  meet  the  powers  with  their  human  prey 
When  laden  with  the  mortal  plunder  they 
In  triumph  join  hell’s  insatiate  greed 
With  writhing  shades  of  reprobates  to  feed. 

The  Grand  Tribunal  them  may  not  behold 
Whom  not  these  billows  cleansing  do  infold,’ 
Though  dark  these  words  fell  on  my  open  ear 
I searched  no  meaning,  overcome  of  fear. 

XIII. 

“ Upon  expanded  wings  we  deeper  sped 
And  nigher  drew  the  terrors  of  the  dead. 

Whom  earthly  guilt  for  times  unknown  detains 
In  dolesome  pits  and  hope-deserted  plains 
By  Justice  held  to  punish  vice  and  crime. 

This  ministress  of  all-avenging  Time  ! 

When  nigh  the  end  of  (rai-Zalmmetli  we. 

Our  flight  relenting,  found  a canopy 
Beneath  a gloomy  rock  whose  frowning  brow. 
Protruding  amply,  station  gave  us  now. 

Whence,  half  concealed,  we  could  the  scene  survey. 
The  Judgment’s  course,  and  then  the  fierce  affray 
Of  formidable  foes;  for  we  did  halt 


112- 


Where,  like  the  rainbow’s  curve  in  size,  a vault 
Of  solid  fire  arching  rose  above 
A flaming  channel,  which  a passage  clove 
Through  many  leagues  of  glowing  adamant. 

To  dread  f^lieol  the  terrible  descent! 

XIV. 

“ And  who  is  yonder  eyeless  maid  we  face, 

Who  neither  terror  wears  in  look  nor  grace, 

But  with  majestic  earnest,  front  divine 
Holds  in  her  mighty  hand,  though  feminine, 

A balance  in  unruffled  equipoise  ? 

Thou  Wisdom’s  offspring,  whom  Almighty’s  voice, 
Before  He  light  created,  caused  to  spring 
Into  existence.  Justice,  thou  didst  swing 
An  aegis  in  the  left,  whde  in  thy  right 
A balance  rung  with  all-benumbing  might ! 

And  when  I quailing ’ heard  resound. 

And  saw  the  blackness  thickening  around. 

The  lurid  gleams  by  swelling  shades  devoured. 
Disgusting,  flitting  shapes  that  grinned  and  roared 
I felt  the  vital  fluid  rushing  cold 
Throughout  my  veins,  I gazed  aghast,  appall’d ! 

But,  lo!  now  pealing  from  behind  the  peaks 
Of  mounts,  that  fringed  the  tract  we  faced,  came  shrieks; 
And,  horror ! there  enshrouded  in  thick  night 
Upon  a rattling  cloud  a hideous  sight. 

Which,  like  Medusa,  petrifying  dread, 

Appalling  terror  and  confusion  spread. 

The  mortal’s  bane,  implacable  MavetJi,  he 
Came  howling  with  his  grisly  company; 

A hateful  crew,  his  fell  associates. 

The  bloody  ministers  of  cruel  fates. 

Around  the  Gorgons  on  the  dreadful  cloud 

There  throng’d  a dense,  unnumbered,  bloodless  crowd 


8 


113 


Of  spectres  just  from  earthly  substance  torn 
And  to  the  Stygian  gulfs  and  rivers  born. 

In  front  of  the  majestic  figure  they 
Triumphant  did  to  her  their  charge  convey, 
Who  tower’d  high  above  the  grimy  crew 
With  clanging  balance,  aegis,  sightless  view. 


XV. 

“First  Ma'deth,  chief  and  prince  of  all  the  band. 

Such  hideous  laughs  and  roars  through  night  did  send, 
That  Ceylon’s  devil-birds  and  all  the  owls 
Of  screams  demoniac,  the  heart-congealing  howls 
Of  hungry  wolves,  a concert  sweet  would  seem 
To  that  infernal  laugh  and  horrid  scream. 

He  adding  hideousness  to  hideous  hell 
Did  grinning  thus  his  deathful  mission  tell : 

‘ From  Sin  I spring,  for  Night  and  Hell  I strive, 

I Chaos  serve  and  hate  what  is  alive; 

I mowing  sweep  and  slay  from  pole  to  pole. 

My  trail  is  black,  my  atmosphere  is  dole. 

And  these  four  agents  slaughter  in  my  thrall ! ’ 

He  speaks  and  legions  of  confounded  shades 
Of  every  age  and  state,  of  all  the  grades 
By  man  invented,  down  precipitate. 

Impel!’ d to  crave  the  judgment  they  all  hate. 

XVI. 

“ Beside  him  rose  a power  red  as  gore 
With  visage  stern,  it  was  tremendous  War. 

A sullen,  taunting  monster  he  had  sneers 
For  all  the  rest  of  his  hell-bred  compeers. 

‘ Though  birth  of  Madness  I,  by  Vengeance  fed. 

Mine  are  the  decorated,  martial  dead 
By  myriads  trained  to  music  under  my 
Dispeopling  scythe  to  slay,  to  bleei  and  die; 


114 


And  bards  employ  the  magic  of  their  lyre 
The  thoughtless  youth  with  fervor  to  inspire, 

For  gory  battles  and  the  cannon’s  fire, 

While  you,  my  mates,  are  loathed  by  every  worm. 

Not  yours  is  pomp,  nor  pride  nor  uniform  ! ’ 

He  ended  thus,  and  verified  his  boasts 
By  hurling  down  a shoal  of  gloomy  ghosts. 

Who,  like  a frightened  flock  of  threaten’d  sheep. 

Did  huddle  close,  but  yet  seemed  quite  asleep, 
Unconscious  of  their  state  and  of  the  place. 

They  represented  every  soil  and  race 

And  stood  there  bathed  in  blood,  transxjierced,  all 

In  arms,  with  gushing  wounds  that  caused  their  fall. 

XVII. 

“ Now  Plague  with  glance,  which  on  frail  mortals  cast 
Doth  freeze  the  blood  and  makes  them  breathe  the  last, 
A shower  of  pestiferous  arrows  spread, 

As  if  once  more  she  longed  to  wound  the  dead, 

Whom  she  in  crowds  discharging  sent  adown, 

A host  of  trembling  spectres  black  and  brown; 

And  Murder,  worst  of  fiends,  devoured  by  spleen. 

With  dastardy  in  look  and  visage  grim. 

Now  taciturn  on  the  infernal  heath 

The  victims  left  whom  he  had  slain  beneath. 

And  last  desponding,  hopeless  Suicide, 

A female  stern  and  dark  as  Pluto’s  bride. 

The  saddest  group  of  unsubstantial  dead 
Upon  the  hellish  grounds  deposited. 

The  Gorgons  to  depict  no  words  suffice, 

A second  changed  their  grisly  volumes  thrice; 

At  last  dissolved  upon  their  train  of  night 
Conjointly  they  vanished  from  oui?  sight 
To  strike  the  mortals  whom  they  strive  to  wound 
In  this  our  woeful  seat,  their  hunting  ground. 


115 


XVIII. 


“The  eyeless  power  shakes  again  her  scale, 

The  thunder  rolls  and  rends  the  quaking  vale, 

The  cry  of  ‘ J ustice  ’ once  more  doth  resound, 

The  flashes  glare,  shocks  heave  the  waving  ground ; 
Awakened  from  oblivion  stare  she  shades 
Whom  paralyzing  horror  now  invades. 

So  men  when  roused  from  sleep  by  noise  and  shouts, 
Who  see  assassins’  knives  laid  on  their  throats. 

Have  scarce  the  instinct  with  unarmed  hand 
Their  lives  endangered  vainly  to  defend. 

Now  as  the  brave  explorer  in  the  deep 
Of  sunless,  arctic  winter,  when  asleep 
Around  him  is  the  continent,  delights 
In  seeing  Cynthia  rise  and  streak  the  heights 
With  all  the  magic  of  her  silver  lights; 

So  pleasant  seemed  to  me  the  breaking  dawn 
That,  like  a constellation,  rose  and  shone. 

And,  as  the  meteoric  blaze  that  glides 
Athwart  the  cloudy  skies  and  night  divides, 

A group  of  beings  on  a beamy  fleece 
Toward  us  glided  from  the  realms  of  peace. 

Not  like  the  perishable  gold-edged  one 
On  Colchis  robb’d,  was  this  ethereal  zone 
On  which  refulgent  rose  a heavenly  throne 
With  seats  for  them  supernal  Wisdom  sent 
To  carry  out  below  His  deep  intent. 

Outshining  all  in  majesty  and  grace 
With  radiant  brightness  on  his  lucent  face. 

Upon  the  highest  seat  a glorious  power 
Above  his  mates  rose  like  a blazing  tower. 

A dazzling  banner  unfurled  he  did  hold. 

On  it  the  Decalogue  with  burnished  gold 
Emblazoned,  edged  with  emerald  berylline. 

Like  Phoeb  in  azure,  did  refulgent  shine. 


116 


To  right  and  left  in  deathless  glory  clad, 

With  mace  in  hand  and  crowns  upon  the  head, 

On  graded  steps  respectively  were  seen 
Two  rows  of  figures  in  celestial  sheen; 

And  at  their  feet  there  lay  the  Book  of  Fate, 

In  size  resembling  a prodigious  gate. 

Which  twenty  horses  would,  methought,  in  vain 
To  move  that  volume  all  their  sinews  strain. 

The  wondrous  chariot,  with  high  instinct  dowered, 
Before  the  eyeless  goddess  held  and  lowered. 

And  by  Hadassah’s  sacred  lip  I know 
That  all  the  powers  of  that  heavenly  show 
Were  they  mankind  and  Israel  revere, 

Old  Amram’s  son,  and  all  the  prophets  dear. 

The  patriarchs  and  the  illustrious  sages. 

Who  faith  and  wisdom  taught  in  bygone  ages ; 

They  Justice  homage  and  by  Heaven’s  decree 
The  dead  to  judge  descend  unitedly. 

XIX. 

As  on  that  earth-redeeming  glorious  morn 
When  Sinai  was  by  shocks  of  lightning  torn. 

And  Horeb  wrapt  in  rolling  clouds  did  sound 
The  heavenly  message  thundering  around ; 

When  all  a nation  shaking  bowed  in  awe 
And  swore  allegiance  to  the  sacred  Law ; 

So  at  the  maid’s  exclaiming  ^ Judgment ! ’ now 
The  darkness  thicken’d,  thunder  shook  the  ground — 
The  balance  rung,  the  pitchy  cliffs  did  bound. 

And  thrilling  quailed  the  spirits  all  aghast 
At  hearing  the  trumpet’s  wail,  the  Judgment’s  blast 
And  of  its  own  accord  the  Book  of  Fate 
That  every  mortal’s  deeds  doth  plainly  state, 

Sprung  open  wide,  and,  like  a mirror,  cast 
The,  sins  and  virtues  of  a monarch’s  past. 


117 


My  heart  did  freeze,  when  from  the  bloodless  crowd 
A kingly  form,  when  heralded  aloud, 

Advanced— of  earthly  majesty  the  shade — 

And  shook  before  the  throne  and  eyeless  maid. 

‘A  prince  on  earth,’  thus  Amram’s  heir  did  cry, 
‘When  living  thou  didst  Heaven  and  man  defy; 
With  thee  the  follies  dwelt,  the  vices,  lies. 

Mammon  and  Mars,  they  were  thy  deities ! 

Befiold  thine  pages  here,  the  black  and  white: 

With  sins  the  black  is  red,  but  on  thy  bright 
The  virtuous  deeds  recorded  are  but  few — 

Dark  is  thy  life’s  unchangeable  review!  ’ 


XX. 

“In  voice  like  thunder  Amram’s  offspring  read 
The  noted  virtues  of  the  sceptred  dead. 

When,  as  a flock  of  argent  birds  that  skim 
Along  on  high  toward  the  spot  they  teem 
Their  young,  on  wings  outspread  a regiment 
Equipp’d  with  shield  and  spear  made  their  descent 
In  rank  and  file  they  round  their  author  drew 
A cordon,  bowing  all  in  homage  due 
To  him  whose  image  they,  though  bright,  did  wear. 
Now  dipping  with  the  weight  of  virtue  there 
In  Justice’  hand  the  scale  of  good  and  grace 
The  one  of  guilt  and  sin  did  clinking  raise; 

And  from  above  Jehovah’s  darling  child. 

Sweet  Virtue,  came  with  all  her  sisters  mild; 
Dispensing  Charity,  Compassion  soft. 

True  Friendship,  Love  did  follow  from  aloft. 

They  pleading  turned  to  the  meekest  face 
That  fronted  justice  in  the  shape  of  Grace, 

Who  not  to  substitute  divine  decree 
Did  Virtue’s  train  to  hell  accompany; 

But  came  with  Justice’  verdicts  to  prevail 


118 


When  even  with  the  weight  of  good  the  scale 
Of  evil  balancing  prolonged  the  fray — 

The  Mercy  ruled,  and  Virtue  held  her  sway. 

XXI. 

‘‘  But  when  the  page  of  guilt  was  loudly  read 
Abominable  Vice  with  bruised  head 
Of  snake,  deformed,  though  smiling  like  a whore, 
From  hell  ascending  on  her  volume  bore 
A lothsome,  baneful  crew;  contemptible  Lie 
With  her  fell  offspring,  vile  Hypocrisy,. 

And  bursting  Greed  and  Calumny  behind. 

And  Jealousy,  the  bane  of  human  kind, 

While  at  their  heels  from  SheoVs  gulfy  deeps 
Dark,  swarming,  rose  in  whirling,  yellow  heaps 
Unsightly  monsters  fearful  to  behold, 

Who  fiery  eyes  in  coaly  sockets  roll’d. 

So  on  the  sunny  isloted  rocks 

Of  vast  Pacific’s  isles  the  teeming  flocks. 

Pelagian  quiet  seeking,  rise  and  scream 
At  man’s  approach,  and  with  their  swarms  bedim 
The  noontide’s  flooding'rays;  but  than  these  worse 
With  gnashing  teeth  and  shrieks  unearthly  hoarse, 
The  hosts  infernal,  like  a deluge,  poured 
And  howling  madly  round  their  author  loured. 
Sweet  Virtue  with  her  sisters  stepp’d  aside. 
Compassion’s  sorrows  in  a briny  tide 
Descending  trickled  from  her  pleading  eyes; 

Her  heavenly  sisters  answered  with  deep  sighs. 

As  when  pursued  by  wolves  some  refugee 
Doth  perching  tremble  on  a lofty  tree. 

While  him  the  grisly  beasts  of  glaring  eyes. 

With  hunger  mad,  appall  by  howling  cries. 

So  by  his  virtues  held  aloft  the  prince. 

With  horror  seized,  did  wailing  shake  and  wince 


119 


At  seeing  thicken  round  his  guardians  bright 
His  hell-born  goblins  darker  than  black  Night. 

A bulk  of  hideousness  arousing  dread, 

Each  demon  something  of  the  human  had, 

Save  where  the  mortals  wrist  and  fingers  ply, 

A bunch  of  hissing  snakes  with  fiery  eye 
Did  him  with  horrid  armature  supply; 

Besides,  the  ministers  of  hellish  doom. 

Like  angels,  visionary  shapes  assume. 

XXII. 

‘‘  Yet  formidable  though  the  fiends  appear. 

The  guardian  powers  manifest  no  fear; 

They  face  defiant  the  Tartarean  shoals 
Who  fill  the  concave  with  terrific  howls. 

Infuriated  now  themselves  array. 

And  storming,  squealing  rush  to  the  affray. 

Nor  could  Amjjhit rite’s  one-eyed  progeny. 

Nor  Typhon’s  brood  with  these  infernals  vie 
In  feats  of  terror  and  of  prodigy. 

Dilated  to  enormous  bulks  they  yell. 

They  sweep,  and  sweeping  shake  profoundest  hell, 
Bebellowing  a thousand-fold  the  noise 
Chaotic  of  each  goblin’s  dreadful  voice. 

As  flying  towers  bursting  in  their  flight. 

The  leaping  fiends  are  burning  while  they  fight. 
Their  snaky  gripes  they  hissing  toss  around. 

They  strike  like  thunder,  but  from  shields  rebound 
Of  adamantine  all-defying  strength; 

They  blench  from  lances  of  prodigious  length 
By  virtues  wielded  with  such  dread  effect, 

That  rout  doth  follow  the  engaging  act! 

The  glittering  jhialanx  from  infernal  wreck 
Awhile  their  master  save,  and  hurl  the  black 
Divisions  to  abysses  bottomless; 


120 


But  at  their  heels  the  fiends  dare  onward  press. 
All  changed  in  grisliness  and  fell  contour 
In  pyramidal  heaps  they  rise  and  lour; 

Half  Rokli,  half  elephant  they  fire  spout, 
Beneath  an  antlered  brow  they  swing  a snout, 

A hellish  python  gaping  like  a cave; 

On  wing,  on  foot,  they  stride,  they  fly,  they  rave. 
And  clash  with  files  of  snorting  giant  steeds 
Angelic  fiat  in  a second  breeds. 

Tasmanian  woods  or  Calaveras  rear 
No  trunk  so  lofty  as  the  flaming  spear 
The  guardian  angels  from  their  coursers  wave; 
Befulgent  in  their  arms  the  fiends  they  brave. 
Confounding  Chaos  bellows,  grins  and  roars. 
Now  light  the  dark,  now  dark  the  light  devours. 
As  ocean’s  surf  blast-beaten  sounding  leaps 
Against  the  isolated  isle,  and  sweeps 
With  foaming  fury  the  resisting  strand. 

Till  rocks  are  carried  off,  and  banks  of  sand; 

So  raging,  dashing,  swaying  to  and  fro 
The  hellish  prodigies  must  baffled  go, 

Until — for  otherwise  it  should  not  end— 

The  scale  of  guilt  doth  dip  in  Justice’  hand, 

And  by  a whelming  swoop  and  horrid  howl 
The  battle  won  is  by  the  myriads  foul. 

Into  SlieoVs  abysmal,  raging  deep 

The  goblins  with  the  sinner  whirling  sweep; 

Still  close  behind  the  virtues  all  alert 
Their  author  trace;  for  good  doth  hot  desert. 

XXIII. 

“ And  now  a mortal’s  name  was  specified. 

Who  as  a titled  statesman  lived  and  died. 

The  wonder  and  the  terror  of  his  age. 

His  restless  fetich  was  Ambition’s  rage. 


121 


To  whom  his  manhood,  faith,  and  love  he  gave, 
For  countless  warriors  he  has  dug  a grave 
By  diplomatic  subtlety  and  fraud. 

Bespangled  toward  the  eyeless  maid  he  strode, 
Who  during  life  nor  man  did  fear  nor  God. 

His  name  did  gladden  Vice  and  her  fell  crew. 

Who  crowds  of  shocking  visions  upward  drew, 

A hideous  herd  of  black  demonian  beasts. 
Chimpanzees  tierce  with  horny,  giant  fists. 

The  goblins  fought  with  certainty  to  gain. 

The  virtues  strove,  resistance  proved  in  vain; 
Since  few  these  were  and  could  not  those  repel 
Whose  nunfbers  seemed  to  empty  boundless  hell. 
Sheol  with  uproar  did  reverberate 
When  she  received  that  crimeful  potentate. 

XXIV. 

‘‘  And  who  art  thou,  who,  conscious  of  thy  worth, , 
When  mentioned  dost  intrepidly  stride  forth? 
Thus  thinking,  I beheld  a stately  ghost 
Serenely  move,  and  nigh  the  Court  he  paus’d. 

Oh  Virtue,  thou  nor  death  nor  night  dost  fear. 

For  thee  no  terrors  Hell  and  J udgment  rear, 

And  doomsday’s  trumpet  thou  canst  calmly  hear  ! 
That  manly  shade  Adversity  did  brave. 

As  pure  as  born  he  sunk  into  the  grave. 

‘ Be  welcome,  friend,  to  ever-during  peace  ! 

From  these  abodes  thou  to  the  heavens  of  bliss 
Shalt  rise;  for  since  thy  infancy  and  birth. 

Thine  was  a heaven-pleasing  course  on  earth  ! ’ 
Thus  Amram’s  glorious  heir,  while  on  his  face 
Effulgence  burst;  the  majesty  of  Grace 
The  scale  of  good  in  eJ iistice’  stretched  hand 
Inclining  touch’d  with  her  supernal  wand. 

When  all  the  myriads  hockiug  from  above. 


122 


The  images  of  Charity  and  Love, 

Of  Wisdom,  Temperance,  Self-sacrifice, 

Encircling  him  npsent  triumphant  cries; 

The  patriachs,  the  prophets  and  the  wise 
Did  honor  him,  a spright  of  Paradise; 

With  him  the  shining  virtues  straight  upshot 
The  adverse  powers,  too  few,  no  battle  fought, 

But  soon  dissolving,  like  a mist  by  light. 

They  faded,  waned,  and  vanished  in  the  night. 

XXV. 

‘‘  The  pages  now  were  turned  one  by  one, 

I heard  the  wicked  curse  their  birth  and  groan; 
The  hosts  engaged  and  bitter  raged  the  fight 
Betwixt  black  legions  and  brave  squadrons  bright.. 
Impartial  Victory  by  Justice  swayed 
Lent  neither  side  her  overwhelming  aid, 

Except  when  prompted  by  a hint  of  Grace, 

She  to  the  virtues  turned  her  smiling  face. 

Many  immortals  did  I lifted  see 
Beyond  the  shades  to  bliss  victoriously; 

The  heaven-commissioned,  glorious  Court  on  them 
Bestowed  the  halo’s  heavenly  diadem; 

But  many  hurled  into  gulfs  I saw 
A prey  to  agonies  untold  and  woe. 

XXVI. 

‘‘Now  on  their  wondrous  chariot  in  awe 
Before  the  sightless  maid  the  judges  bow, 

And  hymniDg  from  the  dark  abodes  withdraw. 
Before  them  Grace,  behind  them  Hope  doth  flee 
And  desolate  the  cave’s  profundity. 

My  queenly  guides  prepare  for  further  flight 
And  thus  Hadassah  gently  at  my  right : 

‘With  us  proceed,  and  view  with  living  eye 


]23 


The  tortured  ghosts  who  dying  never^die; 

In  SheoVs  dread  abysses  they  sustain 
The  doomful  rack’s  excruciating  pain; 

Yet  envied  are  by  those  whom  crimes  entomb 
In  horrid,  bottomless  Abaddon’s  womb ! ’ 

She  speaks,  and,  with  the  swiftness  of  a dart. 

We  three  abreast  for  SheoVs  gulfs  depart. 

As  doth  upon  the  surgy  ocean’s  deep 
By  tempest  toss’d  the  shivering,  threatened  ship, 
Eesisting  though  the  wreckful  billows’  squall. 
Disjoined  shake  throughout  her  rib-tight  hull; 

So  I,  when  in  those  nether  Stygian  pits, 

Felt  all  the  agonies  of  griping  fits. 

The  pangs  of  racking  wheels  by  martyrs  borne. 

The  frantic  shrieks  of  them  by  tigers  torn. 

Would  ill-compare  with  what  in  that  profound 
I saw  of  anguish,  and  I heard  of  sound; 

Its  endless  vastness,  flaming  lakes  and  plains. 

Its  burning  cliffs,  its  fiery  hurricanes. 

Transplanting  rocky  fragments  glowing  white 
With  unextinguishable  heat  in  densest  night; 

The  noise  of  reprobates,  infernal  screams, 

The  sense-benumbing  fetors,  deadly  steams. 

Did  upright  force  my  bristling  hair  on  head. 

And  more  than  living  was  my  spirit  dead. 

The  fright,  the  stench,  the  storm  my  nerves  unbraced. 

And  with  my  guides  I had  not  further  raced 

Had  anxious  Deborah  not  me  revived 

With  her  celestial  wand,  while  still  we  dived 

Amid  yet  fiercer  winds  and  choky  gloom 

Till  we  approach’d  the  reprobates  in  doom. 

^ From  this  high  precipice  now  ken  around 
And  penetrate  yon  dreary,  vast  profound 
As  Sodom  and  Gomorrah’ s Chasm  renown. 

Thither  inhospitable  souls  are  thrown. 


124 


Who  in  their  mortal  vesture  gave  no  rest 
Nor  bread  nor  shelter  to  a claiming  guest; 

And  deeper  there — thou  scarce  canst  view  them  hence — 
Writhe  all  the  hunters  of  chaste  innocence.’ 

The  queenly  judge  me  thus  addressing  turned 
My  vision  to  a yawning  gulf  that  burned 
Five  thousand  fathoms  deep  beneath  our  feet. 
Unnumbered  shades  I saw  blaspheming  beat 
Their  temples,  refuge  seeking  from  the  brunt 
Of  blasting  flames,  in  caves,  which  would  not  grant 
Abode  to  them  condemned  in  hail  and  fire 
To  groan  till  thousand  ages  will  expire. 

‘Ye  wicked  foreign  to  that  sacred  love 
By  which  man  shadows  the  Supreme  above, 

How  doth  my  pity  thaw  and  flow  for  you 
Whom  cruel  caves  repel  when  rest  you  sue ! 

For  this  reminds  me  of  my  people’s  fate 
Who,  weeping,  stood  before  your  bolted  gate 
And  moved  no  feeling  in  your  callous  breast ; 

Through  them,  perchance,  your  spirits  find  no  rest. 

Ah  me,  in  your  despair  and  outcries  hoarse 
I hear  mad  blasphemy  but  no  remorse. 

Ye  blinded  spectres,  of  yourselves  the  curse ! ’ 

I,  animated,  thus  did  speak  and  weep. 

While  moans  and  wails  did  echo  from  the  deep, 

And  gloomy  millions  seemed  my  speech  to  hear. 

For  them  I saw  their  ghastly  heads  uprear 
And  gaze  at  us  with  wonderment  and  fear. 

But  fierce  the  elements  did  them  confound — 

Supine  they  fell,  and  bellowed  on  the  ground. 

XXVII. 

“This  fiery  Chasm  leaving  behind  us  we 
Swept  down  the  rugged,  hot  declivity. 

The  fetidness  increasing  all  the  time 


125 


In  that  chaotic,  black,  and  doleful  clime. 

Now  at  a distance  I a lurid  tract 
Enwrapt  beheld  in  smoke  and  flames  compact 
And  coming  nigher  did  a fiend  discern 
Whose  rolling  eyes  like  orbs  of  coal  did  burn ; 
Around  him  mass’d  were  crowds  that  him  adored; 
Them  he  amain  in  towering  heaps  devoured ; 

But,  strange  to  say,  they  knelt  and  praye’d  in  awe 
Before  that  monster,  whose  insatiate  maw 
Bestored  the  ghosts  to  glut  his  gaping  jaws; 

So  deep  and  wondrous  are  infernal  laws ! 

‘ What  trespass,  oh,  my  guides,  those  mortals  stained 
When  breathing  they  what  law  of  God  disdained  ? 
And  yonder  monstrous,  glowing  prodigy 
What  hellish  minister,  what  chief  is  he  ? ’ 

Thus  I to  both  the  guiding  powers  spoke. 

And  thus  Hadassah’s  words  I did  provoke : 

‘Before  us  stretches  far  and  wide  a chain 
Of  rocks  embosoming  fell  JSfimrod^s  Plain; 

So  called,  because  this  rebel  was  the  first 
Of  yonder  pale,  idolaters  accurst. 

Who,  having  temples  for  base  idols  built. 

And  on  their  altars  blood  of  infants  spilt. 

Are  there  ordained  to  be  tha^  Moloch’s  food. 

Of  Sin  the  image  and  of  Vice  the  brood  ! ’ 

‘ But  they,  alas  ! ’ I durst  resume  my  speech, 

‘Did  what  their  times  them  did  as  children  teach; 
Must  they  forever  in  that  wretched  plain 
Sustain  the  racks  of  such  tremendous  pain?  ’ 

I thus  did  speak  and  felt  the  millions’  woe. 

Which  in  a tide  did  from  my  eyeballs  flow. 

When  this  reply  Compassion’s  queen  me  gave; 

‘ No  reprobate  engulfed  in  this  cave 
Shall  find  in  tortures  an  eternal  grave. 

It  is  ordained  that  every  heavenly  spark 


12fi 


Shall  once  uprise  from  this  abysmal  dark; 

But  ere  such  awful  periods  of  time 

Will  them  redeem  from  this  Tartarean  clime, 

Some  late  descendant  earning  godly  bliss, 

May  of  his  sires  two  from  hell  release; 

Thus  nations  rose  by  virtues  not  their  own, 

But  by  some  luminous,  meritorious  son, 

Else  multiplied  those  numbers  thou  wouldst  see 
Continuing  there  such  fell  idolatry.’ 

XXVIII. 

And  now  as  rightward  we  descended,  came 
A noise  and  odor  speech  is  weak  to  name. 

And,  ere  we  far  advanced  I plainly  view’d 

Within  a pit  inlocked  a multitude 

Of  spectral  groups  who  madly  fought  and  cried. 

As  maniacs  tierce  each  crowd  the  other  eyed, 

And  with  transpiercing  fury  sent  a spear 

Which  through  the  frame  struck  in  the  breast  and  rear 

And  writhing  wheel’d  the  combatants  around. 

The  red-hot  weapon  in  the  gushing  wound; 

And  yelling:  ‘ Mine  the  crown  and  might ! ’ they  cried; 
‘ No,  mine  the  power  to  command  ! ’ replied 
The  advarsaries.  And  thus  unceasing  they 
Engaged  in  hateful  wrangling,  dire  fray. 

‘ Supernal  Wisdom  in  these  realms  of  gloom 
Destined  this  region  named,  Mad  Korah's  Doom, 

For  all  who  human  love  and  concord  spurn. 

Themselves  with  false  authority  adorn. 

And  would  at  cost  of  honor  and  of  peace 
Their  perishable  influence  increase. 

Undying  doth  Ambition  animate 

Those  maniac  hosts,  who  never  cease  to  hate. 

Believing  still  they  strive  for  earthly  good. 

While  shedding  thus  dark  floods  of  ghostly  blood.’ 


127 


Lapidoth  thus,  but  I did  turn  away 
My  look  from  that  disgustful,  mad  affray. 

An  umbered  river  tracing  in  our  flight. 

We  deeper  speeding  eyed  a marvelous  sight. 

XXIX. 

“ That  fetid  stream  replete  with  loathsome  worms. 
Of  scaly  hydras  nursed  uncountered  swarms. 

Who,  many-headed,  glared  demoniac  ire. 

Exhaling  pestilence  and  singeing  fire. 

The  tide  a dismal  continent  embraced, 

A craggy,  rent,  sulphurious,  smoky  waste; 

And  when  on  it  I fixed  my  curious  gaze. 

Cold  horror  seized  me  and  profound  amaze; 

There  herds  of  dreadful  bulls  with  nations  fought. 
And  disembowling  them  on  fierce  horns  caught. 
And,  roaring,  them  into  the  waves  did  cast 
To  be  the  hydra’s  and  the  worm’s  repast 
And  yet  forever  in  such  torments  last ! 

As  flocks  of  sheep  before  the  lion  flee 
And  cloy  the  boa  lurking  in  the  lea. 

So  those  who  from  the  bulls  in  terror  fled 
The  horrid  monsters  in  the  river  fed. 

‘ Ah  cursed  races  ye,  what  were  your  crimes 
When  once  above  ye  dwelt  in  blessed  climes? 

Ah  for  my  life  I would  your  woes  relieve  ! ’ 

Thus  piteous  I,  Deborah  this  in  brief : 

“With  those  no  pity  have;  forewarned  they 
Have  wrought  for  them  that  torturous  dismay; 
The  calf  of  Horeb  with  disasters  fraught 
These  reprobates  a transient  lesson  taught. 

Who  would  no  flower  of  godly  perfume  cull. 

But  raised  that  calf,  now  their  outrageous  bull. 
That  waste  of  hell  Jerohoants  name  doth  wear, 

All  godless  Mammonites  are  punished  there. 


128 


XXX. 


“Some  leagues  below  Absalom's  Grode  we  reached,. 
Where  by  their  locks  rebellious  sons  are  hitched 
To  boughs  of  iron  trees.  They  knotted  close 
By  snaky  chains  did  back  and  limbs  expose 
To  scorpion  lashes  in  demonian  hand 
Who  tore  the  skin  and  let  the  gore  descend 
In  fuming  drops  upon  a cursed  soil, 

Where,  like  a shower,  I beheld  it  boil, 

In  streamlets  joining  and  rushing  down. 

And  form  a stream  athwart  the  hellish  lawn, 

A moaning  river  swelling  as  it  flowed. 

Whose  tide  our  course  to  dreadier  regions  showed.. 
Its  tortuous  bank  pursuing  we  ahead 
That  iron  forest  cross’d  of  clamoring  dead, 

And  left  the  scourged  multitudes  behind 
To  view  inhicticms,  which  coDgeal  the  mind. 


XXXI. 

“Oh  fancy,  friends,  a leaping,  howling  flood, 

A cataract  of  living,  boiling  blood 
From  lofty  rocks  descending  with  a roar, 

And  fill  a gulf  with  ever-fuming  gore ; 

Imagine  spirits  foredoomed  thence  to  sink 
And  of  that  wave  perpetually  to  drink ; 

Therein  by  hell-hounds  fish’d  and  toss’d  amain. 
And  carried  up  to  fall  and  swill  again. 

And  you  behold  the  dreadf  ul  Gulf  of  Gain  I 
Oh  woe  to  you  who  kindred  life  destroy. 

With  human  blood  our  sacred  planet  cloy; 

Ye  tyrants,  murderers,  ye  victors  hear 
What  wines  for  you,  what  beasts  Hlieol  doth  rear! 
There  one  gaunt  seven  monsters  piecemeal  tore, 
And  climbing  the  steep  heights  the  ghost  upbore. 


9 


129 


Whence  instantly  he,  framed  again,  did  fall, 

And  with  the  blood-hounds  bellowing  did  roll 
In  that  abominable  rageous  sea. 

Hadassah  quoth : ‘ Antiochus  is  he 
Forever  subject  to  that  horrid  fate; 

The  sanctuary  he  did  desecrate, 

And  thousand  slew  in  his  inhuman  rage; . 

The  seven  sons  he  killed  beside  the  sage, 

W^hom  elsewhere  thou  shalt  see  exalted  high, 

The  prince  of  princes  in  the  blessed  sky. 
Nebuchadnezzar,  Titus — Judah’s  bane — 

And  fierce  Amalek  glut  the  Gulf  of  Cain; 

Here  Nero  and  his  equals  bathe  in  gore. 

Here  swim  the  conquerors  who  worshipped  War; 
The  Pharaohs  and  all,  who  life  destroyed. 

Or  Israel  oppressed,  with  blood  are  cloyed 
By  those  internals  in  the  frame  of  beasts. 

Yon  trimurti  remote  on  whose  brains  feasts 
A salamander,  while  them  vipers  knit 
As  one,  and  to  their  visage  venom  spit. 

When  breathing  yet,  did  work  like  fiends  of  hell. 
The  dread  of  men,  those  three  are  known  too  well. 
That  monkish  ghost  is  Torquemada's  life, 

The  other  two  are  Ferdinand  and  wife^ 

Who  to  their  idols  sacrificed  mankind; 

Yet  even  they  will  never  stay  behind 
When  resurrection’s  trumpet  shall  resound 
And  claim  the  races  from  the  Stygian  ground.’ 

XXXII. 

“But  here  not  SheoVs  retributions  end. 

Nor  to  depicture  them  I speech  command. 

The  wicked  here  in  seven-fold  degree 
Is  punish’d  for  his  crime’s  severity. 

Who  cold  and  heat  and  all  extremes  of  woe 


130 


For  endless  periods  must  undergo. 

And  near  Abaddon'' s all-devouring  pit 
The  wretches  welter  in  such  horrid  heat, 

That  solids  like  corundum  melt  as  ice 
In  welding  calcar,  and  in  billows  rise. 

Who  parents  slay  and  Providence  blaspheme. 

Are  agonized  in  this  SheoVs  extreme. 

Where  sweeping,  thundering  in  seven  score 
Of  cataracts  descends  the  liquid  ore 
Into  Ahaddoii’s  bottomless  profound, 

Where  naught  that  sinks  can  strike  resisting  ground; 
Though  centuries  and  periods  it  fall 
It  through  unmeasured  depth  doth  burst  and  roll, 
And  what  there  is  but  known  is  to  the  One 
Omnipotent,  omniscious,  else  to  none! 

XXXIII. 

“ Well  nigh  through  solid  vapors  we  proceed, 

That  check  the  swiftness  of  our  winged  speed. 

While  rueful  exhalations  me  invade 
And  threaten  to  reduce  me  to  a shade . 

My  growing  pains  I to  my  guides  convey. 

Who  quick  their  gentle  arms  around  me  lay. 

When  I at  once  feel  fire-proof  and  strong. 

And  pave  my  way  through  that  infernal  throng. 

Who  on  their  pennons  crowd  the  dismal  air. 

And  rive  the  concave  with  appalling  blare. 

Our  sight  they  flee,  those  cohorts  black,  hell-born; 
By  darkness  made  they  light  celestial  scorn. 

And  hate  the  shining  regions  high  above. 

But  more  than  all — the  visitants  of  love. 

Unusual  vigor  the  fiendish  crowds  display. 

And  pale  alarm  they,  fluttering  wild,  betray; 

For  now  triumphant  shouts  invade  my  ear. 

Loud  brazen  trumpets  clang  far  in  the  rear. 


131 


The  surges  foam,  Tartarean  powers  stir, 

And  gather  fast  and  frown  in  louring  bands. 

A bursting  blaze  in  twain  the  blackness  rends, 

And  ‘ Father ! ’ rings  the  cry  of  love  divine, 

‘Arise,  oh  sire,  for  groves  that  ever  shine; 

To  raise  thee  high,  such  glory  is  the  mine ! ’ 

XXXIV. 

“What  star-encircled  cherub  with  such  boast 
Doth  lead  commanding  yon  angelic  host  ? 

Oh  bliss  of  scions,  who  by  virtues  high 
Their  sires’  infamies  and  crimes  defy ! 

‘That  glorious  power  of  supernal  beam 
With  angels  comes  his  grandsire  to  redeem,’ 

Saith  Deborah,  and  to  a cliffy  height 
We  tend,  and  there  suspend  our  onward  flight, 
Ourselves  remote  encompass’d  by  dense  night. 

As  if  to  strive  for  the  redeeming  son 
The  galaxy’s  amazing  hosts  came  down. 

Hell’s  black  pavilion  star-bestudded  shone 
With  lights  celestial,  equalling  that  zone; 

And  in  their  midst,  like  sweet  Selene  when  clear. 
The  radiant  Savior  did  his  head  uprear. 

Upon  the  wave  the  bright  divisions  land, 

Their  trumpets  flourish,  and  the  princely  brand 
Doth  waving  open  the  tremendous  feud, 

Which  Night  and  Chaos  ere  now  have  seldom  view’d 
They  bid  their  furies  straight  suspend  their  storms. 
And  grin  with  joy  at  the  embattled  swarms. 

For  if  vast  Asia  all  her  races  brought. 

The  giant  armies  who  for  Xerxes  fought, 

The  populations  whom  Mongolia  sent 
To  devastate  the  younger  continent. 

And  by  some  magic  spell  could  them  endow 
With  Titan  statures  and  Medusa’s  brow; 


132 


ey  harmless  pigmies  would  to  mortals  seem, 

Who  eye  deformities  that  Night  make  dim, 

And  Chaos  startle  in  his  deepest  caves, 

On  fire  live  and  swill  the  Stygian  waves. 

Such  hosts  now  move  with  might  and  hate  intense, 
And  breasted  are  by  powers  bright  and  dense. 

What  agents  known,  prodigious,  fierce,  and  grim. 

Of  sulphur,  nitre,  charcoal  made ; of  steam 
Or  force  hydraulic  could  conception  give 
Of  baneful  fiends  who  can  no  wounds  receive. 

Save  from  the  blade  of  panoply  divine. 

And  through  the  grasp  that  like  the  blade  doth  shioe 
They  rush,  they  storm,  and  like  tornadoes  whirl. 
Under  their  tramp  the  billows  leap  and  swirl; 

And,  as  a floating,  iron  armament. 

That  fronts  a stronghold  on  destruction  bent. 

Is  by  torpedoes  treacherous  doomed  to  wreck. 

And  shakes  the  earth  with  her  tremendous  crack. 

The  floods  rebound,  the  deathful  missiles  spread 
A hail  of  steel  and  mutilated  dead; 

So  each  infernal  desperate  uptore 
A league  of  molten,  boiling  hell  or  more 
And,  with  the  wicked  buried  in  the  ore. 

Hurled  it  bursting  through  the  roaring  pit. 

Expecting  this  would  heavenly  foes  defeat. 

Awile  the  vanguard  of  refulgent  ray. 

Invincible  though,  gives  to  the  deluge  way; 

The  fiery  surges  hurled  far  and  wide, 

Some  squadrons  scatter,  other  troops  divide; 

Already  millions  loud  their  triumph  sound. 

And  hellish  mock  and  laughter  peal  around. 

But  thou,  auspicious  prince,  art  soon  at  hand. 

And  armies  listen  to  thy  mild  command; 

Thou  stand’s!  in  front  the  virtues  to  inspire. 

They  rally,  close,  resolved  to  save  thy  sire; 


133 


Devoted  they  thy  call  do  lend  their  ear, 

And  this  discourse  they  from  their  master  hear: 

XXXV. 

‘‘  ‘ Hear  virtues,  heaven-beloved,  ye  demigods. 

Why  shun  those  fell  and  vulnerable  odds 
To  dissolution  fated  by  your  blades. 

Whose  radiant  sight  their  empire  invades 
And  terror  strikes  to  subtartarean  foes? 

The  chief  of  them,  who  well  your  power  knows, 
Will  not  resist,  in  his  infernal  rage. 

The  blasting  fury  of  your  weapons’  edge, 
Dissecting  cliffs  and  adamantine  bonds. 

Dowered,  besides,  with  pith  of  heavenly  wands 
Angelic  ministers  redeeming  wield. 

To  whom  Styx’  grimmest  powers  trembling  yield  ! 
For  light  and  good  and  what  from  them  doth  flow 
Must  deal  to  evil  the  triumphant  blow ! 

Protracted  though  the  dubious  combat  he. 

Toward  bright  virtues  leans  just  Victory. 

Thus  panoplied  invulnerable  you 
The  son  support  who  pays  his  filial  due 
And  with  our  trophy  let  us  rising  quit 
This  surgy  gulf’s  tempestuous,  horrid  pit ! ’ 

XXXVI. 

“ He  ends,  unsheathed  his  flaming  brand  he  waves. 
Himself,  nine  towers  high,  the  cohorts  braves; 

But  him  encompass  half  his  godlike  bands, 

A host  of  Titans  with  enormous  brands. 

With  ardor  burning,  and  on  vengeance  bent, 

A trebled  shout  they  heavenward  upsent; 

The  shock  that  follows  makes  Abaddon  quake 
Since  Night  and  Chaos  in  the  fray  partake. 

And  all  the  black  abysses  disjoined  shake. 


134 


XXXVIT. 


‘‘Now  from  on  high  resounds  a trumpet’s  blare 
And  stirs  with  awful  notes  the  dusky  air; 

The  hosts  divide  and  mute  is  every  noise, 

The  trumpet  stops,  from  sky  thus  bids  a voice: 

‘ Abate  your  fury,  powers  of  the  dark. 

And  let  uprise  the  long-imprisoned  spark 
Forever  freed  from  your  ungracious  thrall. 

By  one  redeemed  beyond  your  fierce  control ! ’ 
Awestruck  they  hear  the  all-subduing  voice. 

That  to  the  hell-bred  warriors  leaves  no  choice. 

Who  straight  dissolve  and  fade,  like  bulks  of  steam; 
Not  thus  the  squadrons  of  celestial  beam 
Who  save  the  sire  and  uprise  with  him. 

XXXVIII 

“ Forthwith  we  to  Abaddon'’ s portal  sped 
That  yawned  far,  as  if  on  worlds  it  fed, 

And  thundering  swallowed  what  Sheol  did  spout 
Into  its  dreadful,  all-engulfing  throat. 

We  hovered  high  above  its  endless  rim 
Where,  ever  harassing  the  powers  grim. 

The  pleading  virtues  at  Abaddon'’ % gates 
Attempt  once  more  to  save  the  reprobates, 

Whom  else  the  cataracts  from  deep  to  deep 
In  tortures  unconceived  forever  sweep 
Adown,  upwhirled  oft  by  vapors  dense 
Of  metals  vaporized  by  heat  intense. 

Not  hell-hounds  may  these  exhalations  stand 
Which  them  benumbing  headlong  upward  send, 
Whence  they  precipitous  are  hurling  down 
To  deeps  unmeasured,  and  are  thence  up  thrown 
Dissolved  in  fetid  damps  of  grisly  black. 

Them  envy  sinners  who  endure  such  rack 


135 


Undying,  with  consciousness  of  doom,  and  why 
They  have  no  share  in  the  delectable  sky. 

XXXIX. 

Eternity,  who  gave  to  Chronos  birth. 

May  gray,  ere  those  who  vilified  on  earth 
The  beam  that  sprung  from  purest,  holiest,  light. 
Reclaimed  are  from  Ahaddort’s  womb  and  Night. 
Them  not  an  upright  offspring  can  redeem 
Who  parents  murder  and  the  Lord  blaspheme; 

In  black  perdition  they  must  him  await 
Who  shall  descend  to  make  of  earth  one  state. 

One  brotherhood  of  all  the  tribes  combined. 

One  family  of  warring  human  kind; 

AVhen  man  through  man  will  never  bleed  in  strife. 
When  all  the  dead  his  horn  will  wake  to  life; 

On  that  grand  day  on  which  the  One  Supreme, 
Will  be  of  every  living  tongue  the  theme. 

Those  reprobates  Messiah  will  redeem. 


XL. 

‘‘  Thus  much  of  hell  I learned  from  my  guides. 

Who  dwell  where  never-ending  bliss  abides. 

With  doubled  swiftness  we  our  path  retraced. 

Ere  long  through  Gdi-ZalmavetJds  gate  we  raced. 

And  darting  skyward  our  stupendous  flight 
We  nigher  drew  the  sweetest  fields  of  light. 

How  tell  my  joy  when  soon  a feeble  gleam 
My  eyes  did  catch  of  the  supernal  beam  ! 

Great  Lord,  how  blind  those  men  whose  living  eyes 
Rehold  the  sun,  the  moon,  and  starry  skies, 

And  in  Thy  Love,  Thy  Wisdom,  Greatness  doubt. 
When  they  should  prostrate  weep  with  minds  devout 


136 


IfrnmH. 


I. 

Within  the  star-paved  universe  alone 
Omnipotent,  above  all  spirits  One^ 

Immutable,  exhalted  on  that  throne 
Beyond  the  empyrean’s  highest  height, 

Enwrapt  in  mystery  and  purest  light 
Unbearable  to  seraphic  sky-bred  ken. 

Much  less  to  frail,  benighted,  earth-bound  man, 
Thee,  Lord  Zebaoth,  Infinite,  I pray 
To  brighten  in  my  soul  the  deathless  ray. 

The  feeble  spark  of  Thy  effulgent  Spring, 

So  that  Thy  goodness  I and  greatness  sing ! 

With  deepest  wisdom,  purpose  high,  with  love 
Thou  rulest  the  greatest  starry  groups  above 
As  all  the  creatures  Thou  on  them  didst  make; 

A breath  of  Thine  infinitude  can  shake. 

Yet  all  Thy  glorious  works  are  ever  young 
And  shine  as  when  their  praise  the  Psalmist  sung 
Save  man,  whom  Thine  inscrutable  decree 
Consigned  to  pains  and  pale  mortality ! 

The  sky-begotten  mind,  how  could  it  rest. 

On  seeing  dissolution  manifest 

With  fell  decay  the  human  mould  invade 

And  let  it  vanish  like  a fleetiDg  shade — 

The  dearest,  sweetest  from  our  side  remove 
And  cleave  our  bosom  with  heart-breaking  love  I 


138 


How  thee  forget,  oh,  mother,  on  whose  breast 
I once  found  nutriment  and  loving  rest, 

When,  smiling  at  thy  look,  I could  not  read 
Upon  thy  care-worn  front  that  whelming  need. 
Which  since  thy  birth  and  orphan  infancy 
Until  thy  death  did  gnawing  cliug  to  thee! 
Resigned  thy  lot  thou  bravely  didst  sustain. 

Thy  lip  did  Heaven  praise,  but  not  complain 
When  of  thy  children  seven  paled  and  died, 
When  thou  didst  bury  them,  bereft,  one-eyed ; 

A town  did  sympathize  and  weep  with  thee, 
Dinah,  confronting  woes  and  misery ! 

Thou  sacred  heart,  among  the  blessed  now. 

My  filial  tears  accept  which  freely  flow ; 

To  equal  thee  in  rectitude  I vow. 

But,  oh,  that  faith  which  filled  thy  mind  devout,. 
How  plant  it  in  a soul  imbued  with  doubt ! 

He  will  not  blame,  who  Reason  sent  below. 

If  searching  man  before  no  might  would  bow. 
Except  Conviction  absolute  so  rare ! 

Thus  search  of  truth  be  here  my  chosen  share. 
And  Father,  Thou,  who  seest  the  human  heart 
Unshaken  trust  unto  my  soul  impart. 

And  teach  through  me  that  this  sublunar  life 
In  man  not  ceases  with  his  earthly  strife ; 

That  he  on  earth  to  worthy  ends  aspires 
If  he  in  virtue  emulates  his  sires; 

If  here  purusing  the  sublimest  goal 
He  lifts  to  heavens  his  immortal  soul ! 

For  thus  inspired  on  her  fancy’s  wings 
Sol  rises  with  her  friends,  and  soaring  sings. 


II. 

“ Not  faster  sends  the  golden  orb  of  day 
To  dusky  worlds  his  mellow,  blessed  ray. 


139 


Than  we  athwart  the  empyrean  scaled 
Which  endless  wonders  to  my  gaze  unveiled. 

Tirst  quiet  reigned;  than  echoed  sweet  and  soft 
Delightful  concerts  streaming  from  aloft, 
Methought,  from  some  unseen  celestial  sphere; 

And  falling  soothingly  upon  the  ear, 

Each  second  heightened  the  enravishment 
Which  caught  my  soul  and  to  my  spirit  lent 
An  instinct  hitherto  unknown  to  me; 

Eor  with  my  guides  1 shared  each  melody 
As  hasting  God-ward  we  enraptured  sped. 

As  if  amid  the  warblers  I was  bred. 

Then  did  I with  amazement  far  and  high 
A lustrous  throng  of  cherubim  descry 
Who  with  their  strains  thus  moved  the  lightful  sky : 
‘Yon  beings,  once  in  mortal  clay  below. 

By  merits  raised,  are  sacred  angels  now. 

On  beaming  wing  the  only  One  they  praise. 

And  singing  cross  the  soft,  ethereal  space 
For  worlds  to  them  assigned  by  higher  Will, 

In  sports  celestial  there  their  times  to  fill, 

Demote  from  greed,  which  mortal  natures  tempt. 
From  want,  satiety  and  pains  exempt.’ 

Thus  dear  Hadassah,  with  an  eye  so  bright. 

That  dim  the  lucent  spheres  appeared  to  sight. 

Nor  could  my  vision  Deborah  endure, 

Whose  look  did  beam  with  radiance,  heavenly  pure; 
For  bright  and  brighter  their  effulgence  shone. 

As  nearer  we  approach’d  the  highest  Throne, 

And,  ere  undazzled  them  I could  behold. 

We  stood  upon  an  orb  of  living  gold. 

III. 

“ Jiakkia's  skyey  regions  now  we  trod. 

Of  happy  denizens  the  blest  abode, 


140 


More  fair  and  balmy  in  the  nether  skies 
Than,  ere  man’s  fall,  terrestrial  Paradise. 

They  passion,  illness,  age,  decay  ignore 
Who  on  that  central  globe  the  One  adore. 

And  dwell  in  meadows  of  ambrosial  scent. 

In  musky  woods  with  songsters  resonant ; 

On  banks  of  streams  as  limpid,  blue  and  calm 
As  azure  mild,  diffusing  vital  balm; 

Immortal  flowers  they  cull  on  hill,  in  vale, 
Nectarian  springs  they  find  in  every  dale, 

And  wondrous  mountains  interchange  with  plain 
And  all  imborders  a delicious  main; 

Nor  insects  venomous,  nor  reptiles  fell 
Infest  the  fields  where  those  celestials  dwell. 

But  they  Temptation  bound  are  to  defy. 

The  gage  of  faith  in  this  inferior  sky. 

Where  souls  imperfect  work  for  higher  peace. 

By  efforts  rising  to  the  realms  of  bliss. 

A mount  there  towers  of  unmeasured  height 
To  all  renown : ‘ The  Holy  Mount  of  Light' 

This  climbing  they  may  reach  a finer  sphere 
Where  gross  attractions  spirits  need  not  fear. 

But,  oh,  the  ways  are  dreadful,  steep  and  long, 

The  heat  intense  provokes  the  scaling  throng 
To  drink  of  founts  that  bubble  all  the  way. 

In  shady  forests  loitering  to  stay ; 

Indulgencies  engrossing  spirits  frail 
Who  to  control  their  greedy  ardors  fail. 

And  by  their  weakness  to  the  plains  recoil. 

After  uncounted  years  of  ceaseless  toil. 

Such  is  the  fate — Deborah  told  me  this — 

Of  those  who,  freed  from  doom,  must  work  for  bliss.. 

IV. 

“ Of  that  enchanting  Mount  to  reach  the  crown, 
That,  like  a sun,  the  whole  emblazed  and  shone. 


141 


And  lost  itself  in  empyrean  space, 

We  now  proceeded  to  ascend  apace, 

And  winging  rose  from  lofty  range  to  range. 

Where  rugged  tracts  with  meads  did  interchange, 
With  highland  groves,  delectable  brooks  and  springs, 
Bowers  perfumed,  replete  with  heavenly  things. 
Supernal  fruit,  the  bird  which  ever  sings; 

With  magic  power  they  tired  pilgrims  lure 
Who  hunger,  thirst  uncessantly  endure. 

But  they  who  rise  must  never,  never  stop 
Until  they,  purified,  behold  the  top 
And  view  the  cherub  in  his  chariot  bright, 

Who  them  uplifts  to  higher  seats  of  light. 

Some  penitents  we  mounting  overtook. 

Whose  names  are  mentioned  in  the  sacred  Book, 

And  Adam,  Eve  I heard  amid  a crowd, 

Their  primal  sin  confess,  and  weep  aloud ; 

For  over  those  who  in  their  mortal  frame 
By  vile  indulgence  did  abase  their  name. 

And  hurt  the  guiltless  through  their  sinful  course. 
The  tempting  charms  above  have  whelming  force. 
With  that  remorseful  pair  thus  prayed  the  rest 
Who  much  have  done  on  earth,  but  not  the  best. 


“ ‘ Thee,  greatest  Sire,  on  MerclidbalC h Throne, 
Thee,  Source  of  wisdom,  grace.  Thee,  only  One, 
What  life  and  intellect  possesses  bless. 

The  universe  Thy  greatness  doth  profess. 

Since  worlds  and  seraphim  and  creatures  all 
But  fragments  are  of  Thy  unfathomed  whole. 
Thou  rayless  orbs  dost  kindle  with  Thy  breath. 
No  beam  of  Thine  sustains  the  rule  of  death. 
But  from  its  clayey  mass  abash’d  returns. 

And  for  its  Source  it  ever  longing  burns. 


142 


Support  us  in  our  strain  to  scale  this  Mount, 

And  may  we  eye  that  ever-beaming  Fount, 

Whence  seeds  primordial  for  new  worlds  are  spread, 
And  fiats  peal,  which  wake  to  life  the  dead ! 

The  tempting  powers  from  our  path  remove, 

Of  our  endeavors  graciously  approve; 

And  may  our  offsprings  strong  Temptation  brave 
Before  they  pass  to  Judgment  through  the  grave!  ’ 
Thus  prayed  the  spirits  in  their  upward  course. 
Then  sought  diversion  in  sublime  discourse. 
Concerning  being,  infinite  degrees 
Of  rank  in  heavens,  and  life’s  varieties. 

Imperfect  virtues  fail  to  penetrate. 

Imputing  all  to  a blind-ruling  fate ; 

But  they  did  justifying  meditate 
Of  what  is  dark  to  man  beneath  the  sway! 

Of  beastly  passions  clinging  to  his  clay. 


VI. 

“ Of  all  the  roads  that  to  the  summit  lead 
The  steepest  we  pref err’d  with  winged  speed ; 
For  straight  was  this,  though  hardest  to  ascend ; 
The  other  pilgrims  longer  ways  did  wend. 

And  sung  the  hymns  of  David’s  tuneful  lyre 
In  notes  which  uttered  their  intense  desire. 

And  from  their  eyes  descended  in  a stream 
The  tears  provoked  by  the  inspiring  theme. 

With  them  I wept;  Deborah  in  a glee 
Perceived  with  smiles  my  flowing  sympathy : 
^Eegret  not  them  endeared  to  Him  above, 

The  tears  are  blest,  the  tears  of  fondest  love 
And  hopeful  prospects  of  a future  sweet. 

To  sprights  flee  years  as  hours  to  mortals  fleet. 
And  yearning  these  are  purified  and  rise. 

And  win  admittance  to  the  upper  skies. 


143 


Where  stained  as  now  they  else  could  not  upright 
Behold  the  effluence  of  purent  light. 

The  pilgrims  here  in  their  upstriving  haste, 

Even  weeping  blessedness  divine  foretaste.’ 

VII. 

“While  she  bespoke  me  thus  with  heavenly  cheer, 

I on  the  summit  kenn’d  the  charioteer 
Angelic  circiimfused  in  brilliant  light. 

With  splendor  flooding  the  cerulean  height. 

Which  globes  illumined  where  in  trunks  earth-born 
Free  sky-bred  virtues  on  their  test  sojourn. 
Metathron,  once  as  Henoch  known  below. 

With  love  for  praying  man  and  sprights  aglow, 
Metathron,  pleading  cherub,  there  doth  wait 
In  beams  enshrined  the  souls  to  elevate. 

Whose  errors  long  contrition  did  efface. 

Who  sought  and  won  the  Majesty  of  Grace  ! 

Such  he  anon  to  better  seats  conveys. 

And  ever  waiting  on  the  summit  stays. 

Astonished  I did  hear  that  pleader  call 
In  loving  voice:  ‘ Be  welcome,  righteous  Sol ! 

The  prayers  I did  mediating  place 
Before  the  Throne  of  all-redeeming  Grace. 

These  choicest  daughters  of  the  higher  skies 
Will  thither  lead  thee  where  thou  wilt  see  rise 
Heavenly  Jerusalem  in  Paradise.’ 

He  spoke  and  to  him  drew  a yearning  throng 
Of  spirits,  veiling  them  in  rays;  along 
With  this  resplendent  flood  of  scaling  light 
We  rose  and  soon  Shamayim  had  in  sight. 

9 

VIII. 

“ But  struck  with  blindness  was  my  mortal  gaze 
By  what  transcendent,  overpowering  blaze. 


144 


That  doth  encompass  as  an  atmosphere 
Those  worlds,  as  air  enwraps  our  planet  here. 
Hadassah  straight  my  grievous  pains  preceives,, 

And  of  a burning  flood  to  drink  she  gives 
A handful  to  my  thirsting  soul,  when  I, 

Regenerate,  again  behold  the  sky. 

And  hear  the  sempiternal  symphony. 

While  parling  thus  the  gentlest  heavenly  queen 
In  sweet  discourse  explaining  doth  begin: 

‘With  angels  ken  these  blissful  fields  survey, 
Where  after  trials,  noble  beings  stay 
Untempted,  rapturous,  and  ever  young, 

In  bliss  but  uttered  by  transhuman  tongue. 

The  persecuted  faithful,  and  the  good, 

The  minds  who  strove  for  humau  brotherhood. 
Who  shield  the  widow,  orphan  in  distress ; 

Contrite  transgressors,  who  their  sins  confess. 

The  injured  souls,  who  vengeance  give  no  thought,. 
The  upright  hearts,  who  bear  resigned  their  lot; 
The  generous  who  do  innocence  protect. 

Are  of  these  realms  the  ever-blest  Elect.’ 


IX. 


“ When  she  had  spoken  I,  as  falcon  bent 
On  fleeing  game,  my  callous  vision  sent 
To  distances  unlimited,  and  there 
I radiant  crowds  of  virtues  everywhere 
Beheld  past  utterance  benign  and  bright. 

All  weaving  garlands  of  supernal  white. 

Which  wafted  odors  of  such  wondrous  balm, 

That,  on  a grave-yard  fused,  it,  like  the  charm 
Of  Endor’s  Witch,  would  through  the  ashes  spread. 
And  animate  the  decomposing  dead. 


10 


145 


X. 


“ Hail  sainted  souls  ! for  you  angelic  bards 
Such  wreaths  immortal  weave  as  first  rewards, 

When  they  in  millions  gather  you  to  meet, 
Heflowered  and  crowned,  praising  you  to  greet, 

And  on  your  temples  glorious  crowns  to  plant 
Of  hues  unfading  and  Elysian  scent ! 

As  loving  hearts  whom  distant  seas  divide. 

As  longs  the  bridegroom  for  his  loving  bride. 

So  those  imparadised  in  yonder  sphere 
With  joy  behold  the  landing  charioteer; 

Metathrori? s passengers  with  song  and  lute. 

With  floral  gifts  the  loving  hosts  salute. 

And  to  the  coronation  straight  proceed, 

Enraptured  to  bestow  the  heavenly  mead 
On  beings  claiming  equal  rank  with  them. 

The  cherub’s  ken,  Elysium’s  diadem ! 

Triumphant  spirits  how  your  bliss  portray 
In  speech  impeded  by  the  weight  of  clay! 

Would  I had  something  of  those  bards  in  me 
To  sing  the  end  of  such  festivity ! 

XI. 

“ As  to  a comet  all  the  mortal  races 
Upturn  wondering  their  pensive,  awful  faces. 

So  bent  the  spirits  their  exploring  eyes. 

And  him  invoked  to  quit  the  upper  skies 
Who  on  Mount  Carmel  sanctified  the  One, 

Then  rose  alive  to  His  celestial  throne. 

He,  confidant  of  the  supremest  Will, 

Doth  mysteries  to  inferior  sprights  reveal. 

Sometimes  communing  with  the  best  beneath. 

While  flesh-bound  they  the  withering  air  yet  breathe. 
Not  pales  more  Luna  in  clear  Cynthius’  light. 

Than  did  Sliamayim  at  Elijah’s  sight. 


146 


WIio  wrapt  in  lustre  on  a cliariotee 
Descending  shed  an  all-emblazing  sea ; 

And  not  Jess  glaring  sate  close  by  his  side 
His  worthy  pupil,  who  the  Jordan  dried. 

As  when  the  waves  toward  the  whirlpool  sweep 
And  are  engulfed  in  the  vortex’  deep, 

So  from  remotest  seats  host  after  host, 

By  princess  headed  in  one  mass  were  lost, 

Who  near  a compass  did  their  course  arrest, 

A multitude  that  would  the  earth  invest. 

With  cadenced  symphonies  the  heaven-beloved 
Cherubim  sweet  Elysium’s  regions  moved. 

The  shining  mountains  and  the  groves  divine. 
The  brooks  and  fountains  living  berylline. 

The  fields  with  herbage  of  supernal  charms. 

The  flowers  of  life,  ambrosia-breathing  palms, 
Refulgent  oceans,  and  the  breeze  of  bliss. 
Enhanced  the  raptures  of  those  harmonies. 

‘ To  Thee,  oh  Lord,  the  glory  appertains ! ’ 

They  sung  combined  in  beatific  strains; 

And  ‘Holy,  holy,  holy  is  the  One 

The  universe  and  hosts  adore  His  Throne ! ’ 

Concluded  the  ineffable  psalmody. 

Then  spoke  the  teacher  with  seraphic  glee, 

The  spirits  listened,  lost  in  ecstasy. 

To  revelations  high  no  mortal  mind 
May  comprehend  while  in  a frame  confined. 

And  as  a man  in  climes  of  foreign  tongue 
The  speech  ignores,  but  may  delight  in  song, 
Which  gives  expression  to  a soul  that  feels, 

A heart’s  emotion  to  a heart  reveals. 

So  I,  though  strange  to  what  the  seraph  said. 
Could  from  the  transport  all  the  hosts  displayed, 
Conceive  of  feelings  words  but  half  can  say, 
Myself  enravished  with  the  sacred  lay. 


147 


The  audience  grand,  as  if  held  in  a trance, 

Still  dreamy  gazed  in  blissful,  mute  suspense. 

When  the  instructor  with  his  blessed  friend. 

Did,  like  a flash,  to  their  abode  ascend. 

My  guides,  pursuing  the  enormous  trail, 

With  me  the  skyey  wall  did  hymning  scale. 

XII. 

“Thou  Spirit,  who  the  shepherd’s  stammering  speech 
Didst  chose  a world  Thy  love  and  truth  to  teach, 
Inspire  me  when  I shall  sing  of  them. 

Who  ever  dwell  in  that  Jerusalem 
Which  in  the  midst  of  Zadek's  circle  glares. 

Ordained  for  Israel’s  most  virtuous  heirs ! 

Below  Shamayinds  fiery  orbs  we  had 

And  Zadek's  neared,  which  such  effulgence  shed, 

That  I in  vain  my  palms  laid  on  my  sight 
To  screen  it  ’gainst  that  penetrating  light. 

Which  far  transcended  what  I lower  deemed 
The  brightest  effluence  that  ever  beamed. 

‘ Impart  that  power  which  the  maid  requires 
To  stand  the  rays  of  purest,  heavenly  fires ! ’ 

Thus  Esther  to  her  mate  multipotent, 

W’ho  the  request  benignantly  did  grant. 

She  on  mine  eyelids  press’d  her  seraph’s  kiss. 
Enduing  me  with  strength  to  bear  that  bliss, 

Which  I beheld  with  open  sense  and  eye 
As  we  did  land  in  yon  most  blessed  sky. 

Oh,  man ! boast  not  too  loud  of  what  thy  skill. 

Thy  genius,  might,  thy  life-long  strains  fulfill! 

Ye  princes,  kings,  and  mighty  potentates, 

Who  strive  for  fame,  for  crowns,  and  reign  of  states ; 
Ye  senseless  crowds,  who  in  a phantom  chase 
Your  substance  waste,  the  span  of  hurrying  days; 
Your  great  achievements,  victories,  and  gold. 


148 


How  long  can  you  enjoying  them  behold? 

Even  those  who  living  sate  upon  a throne 
With  pomp  environed,  and  with  splendor  shone, 
Who  thinks  of  them  when  they  are  dead  and  gone, 
Unless  with  virtue  they  did  fill  their  space 
And  won  in  heavens  a high  immortal  place  ! 

What  blooms  on  earth  is  doomed  to  wane  and  die, 
Some  things  decay,  and  others  petrify, 

And  youth  eternal  reigns  but  in  the  sky  ! 

And  what  beneath  deemed  precious,  dear  and  fine. 
Of  metals,  art,  of  stones  that  glowing  shine, 

Is  worth  one  hour  in  yonder  Paradise 
Which  fills  with  glory  all  the  blissful  skies  ! 

XIII. 

“ Shamayim's  wonders  here  enhanced  I view'd 
Surround  the  Zion  of  beatitude. 

Where  bide  in  sweetest  bliss  the  favored  sons 
Of  Him  enthroned  upon  the  Throne  of  thrones  ! 
‘If  known  to  thee  are  those  of  sacred  fame, 

Within  yon  x>lace  thou  wilt  behold  the  same 
On  lofty  seats  inlaid  with  wondrous  gems. 

All  haloed  with  seraphic  diadems. 

Endowed  with  sight  Merchahah'' s flame  to  bear 
They  in  beatitude  supernal  share; 

And  when  the  sanctities  in  grand  array 
Proceed  to  sanctify  the  Seventh  Day, 

They  from  the  Temple’s  precincts  see  the  face 
Of  Him  who  Justice  wedded  to  mild  Grace  !’ 
Lapidoth  thus  beatifying  me. 

Before  in  sanctitude  we  prayed  all  three; 

Then  came  a voice  of  sweetest  symphony: 

‘ She  is  admitted  to  the  blissful  choir 
Who  lived  like  saints,  as  martyrs  did  expire; 

They  pass  unhurt  through  yonder  gate  of  fire  ! * 


149 


On  burning  pavement  through  a flaming  arch, 

Mid  sheets  of  blaze  we  three  along  did  march, 

Into  a region  by  the  ardor  driven, 

Of  trees  and  herbs  which  seraphim  enliven, 
x\nd  balm  diffuse  amid  ambrosial  heav^en. 

This  boundless  garden  with  refulgent  bowers, 

Was  being  emptied  by  Elysian  powers. 

Who,  dancing,  sung  to  beatific  strains. 

And  circling  moved  athwart  the  fragrant  plains 
Toward  a portal  where  emblazoned  clear 
Was  seen  upon  a pendent  diamond  sphere: 

’Tis  the  Lord’s  gate,  the  righteous  enter  here.’ 

XIV. 

“ Thrice  blessed  beings,  who  that  city  own, 

‘ The  seraph’s  ken,  and  the  transcendent  crown. 

And  nigh  the  Temple  bide  of  beryl  stone  ! 

On  sapphires  treading,  which  that  Zion  pave, 

I saw  the  hosts  who  for  their  Lord  did  brave 
The  Heathen’s  tortures  and  the  Gentile’s  ire. 

On  thrones  outsparkling  scintillating  fire, 

In  roses  stationed  of  divinest  balms 
Pavilioned  by  grand,  paradisical  palms. 

As  constellations  in  ethereal  blue. 

But  glittering  more  than  stars  to  mortal  view. 

Stood  thickly  clustered  group  by  group  the  thrones 
Of  kinffred  wearing  beatific  crowns. 

And  garbs  seraphic  which  in  brilliancy 
With  sunny  rays  victoriously  could  vie. 

And  suns  that  glare  in  yonder  galaxy. 

Like  this  the  hosts  in  vastness  did  extend; 

For  whitherward  I gazed  there  was  no  end 
To  the  assemblage  of  immortal  lights. 

Bright  meads  adorning,  plains  and  blazing  heights, 
And  wafting  music  of  ineffable  glee 


150 


Toward  the  Source  of  light  and  harmony ! 

As  from  afar  the  snowy  peaks  appear 
Beyond  the  soaring  moon  their  heads  to  rear, 

But,  on  approach,  prove  lower  than  the  sky, 
Though  vast  and  ofttimes  wonderfully  high, 

So  seemed  the  Sanctuary  at  a glance 
A sky-roofed  mount  of  beryl  glitterance, 

Which  all  the  stars  did  multiplied  reflect. 

And  all  the  glories  of  the  grand  Elect. 

XV. 

“ Still  did  my  spirit  on  the  grandeur  feed 
Of  that  supernal,  sacred  pyramid, 

Wlien  from  twelve  hills  a treble  call  of  love 
The  blessed  saints  thus  caused  to  rise  and  move; 

‘ The  High^priest  calls,  ye  sanctities  divine, 

’Tis  time  to  praise  Jehovah  in  His  Shrine!  ’ 

At  this  the  hosts  upon  their  faces  fall, 

Then  rise  and  sing,  and  do  the  One  extol; 
Forthwith  to  Zion’s  vale  they  Kidron  call, 

The  seraphim  in  flaming  clusters  stride. 

And  there  in  tribes  the  multitudes  divide. 

Each  tribe  a nation  of  celestial  kings, 

With  crowns  and  sceptres,  and  seraphic  wings. 
Twelve  banners  flutter  with  the  names  of  them. 
Who  fought  and  wept  for  old  Jerusalem. 

But  higher  than  these  ensigns  sparkles  one 
With  burning  lustre,  like  a starry  zone : 

It  is  the  banner  of  Jochebed’s  son 

Who  shines  in  heavens  a thousand  times  as  bright. 

As  when  he  judges  in  the  realms  of  night ! 

‘Bise  up,  oh  Lord,  the  adverse  powers  hate 
Thy  truth  and  light.  Thy  foes  annihilate!’ 

These  words  of  Moses  all  the  saints  arouse. 

Who  loud  exclaim:  ‘Kevere  great  Levi’s  House! 


151 


Six  hosts  to  right,  six  to  the  left  now  stand, 

Ov’r  hundred  leagues  each  power  doth  extend. 
Betwixt  them  runs  a wide,  resplendent  way. 

Where  miuisters  elect  themselves  array. 

Birst  he  bemourned  on  the  top  of  Hor, 

Who  still  as  High-Priest  doth  the  Lord  adore, 
With  his  descendants  wrapt  in  radiance  stood; 
Behind  the  crowns  of  martyr’d  womanhood. 

As  lilies  sweet  among  the  roses  shine. 

As  edged  with  gold  the  gem,  the  berylline. 

With  soft  effulgence  covered  vast  a space, 

All  crowned  and  sceptred  with  celestial  grace. 
Between  the  High-Priest  and  the  priestly  train 
These  gracious  saints  possess  the  heavenly  plain. 
Their  leading  seraph,  Hannah  once  her  name. 
Whose  sons  Antiochus  have  put  to  shame. 

And  died  exhorted  by  their  mother’s  word 
As  truest  servants  of  the  greatest  Lord, 

A blazing  halo  seven  fold  doth  crown. 

Each  for  the  sacrifice  of  every  son. 

These  seven  spirits  and  the  martyr’d  Ten 
I now  around  the  glorious  shepherd  ken. 

Whose  bright  compeers,  the  sires  of  our  race. 

Our  sages,  prophets  clad  in  sacred  blaze. 

The  House  of  David,  triumphant  Maccabees, 

The  great  synhedrins,  the  arbiters  of  peace. 
Between  the  myriads  of  the  priestly  train 
And  those  of  Levites,  like  a glowing  main. 

Did  with  their  files  emblaze  the  shining  plain. 

And  when  the  hosts  in  triumph  thus  arrayed. 

In  beatific  strains  their  bliss  betrayed. 

In  strains  enravishing  seraphic  ears 
And  making  spirit  shed  angelic  tears. 

Twelve  fiery  pillars  of  transcendent  beams 
From  awful  heights  shot  down  in  burning  streams, 


152 


And  centring  all  upon  the  glorious  Shrine, 
Proclaimed  the  Presence  of  His  Grace  Divine ! 

XVI. 

“ The  grand  possession,  hymning,  now  advances. 

In  sports  indulging  and  in  sacred  dances; 

Twelve  portals  lead  them  to  the  Temple’s  fold 
Which  billion  billions  in  its  space  can  hold ; 

The  High-Priest  enters  the  most  holy  Shrine 
And  there  adores  Jehovah,  the  Benign; 

His  voice  is  music,  and  his  prayer  grand, 

With  him  the  hosts  their  vows  and  praise  upsend. 
And  prostrate  sink  in  awful,  sacred  glee 
When  named  they  hear  the  One  Divinity! 

We  from  a mount  behold  the  heavenly  show. 

The  skies  on  flame,  the  gemmy  Shrine  aglow 
With  sparkling  hues;  and  hear  the  High-Priest  pray 
For  human  kind  Temptation  leads  astray. 

For  Israel  who,  faithful  to  his  creed, 

In  many  lands,  while  spreading  truth,  doth  bleed. 
And  thus  reminded  of  my  people’s  fate, 

My  parents’  sorrow,  and  my  sublunar  state. 

The  slumbering  pangs  within  my  bosom  grow. 
Emotion  stirs,  the  eyes  do  overflow; 

Divine  Hadassah  knows  my  inmost  grief. 

Her  words  are  pregnant  with  profound  relief, 

Though  some  oppressive,  indefinable  pain 
Doth  in  my  soul’s  recesses  yet  remain. 

XVII. 

Weep  not,  oh  daughter!  ’ thus  the  queen  exclaims, 
* Whose  name  shall  live  with  all  immortal  names. 

I read  thy  thoughts,  thy  sentiments  are  clear. 

They  dear  to  thee,  to  us  not  less  are  dear. 

Who  know  the  wrongs,  the  outrages  they  bear. 


153 


And  with  Compassion  in  their  suffering  share. 

Man  sunk  in  sin  ignobly  doth  proceed 
To  glut  his  lust,  his  envy,  and  his  greed, 

And  Israel,  to  check  fell  Vice  decreed. 

Is  long  the  victim  of  his  godless  foes, 

Who  crimes  on  crimes  do  heap  and  woes  on  woes. 

But  change  is  nigh,  not  far  are  glorious  times. 

When  juster  ages  will  abhor  the  crimes 
Of  ancestors  who  rank  below  the  brute 
Whose  bloody  instincts  they  by  deeds  dispute ! ’ 

She  speaks,  and  round  her  beauteous,  haloed  head 
I see  a cloud  of  passing  sorrow  spread; 

For  longer  not  than  in  a furnace  ice, 

Can  sorrows  last  in  beatific  skies. 

And  now  a sound  harmonious,  sweet,  and  grand 
The  sanctities  repeatedly  upsend. 

And  song  and  prayer  in  the  Temple  end. 

The  millions  issue  from  the  portals  bright 
In  holy  transport,  rapturous  delight; 

They  dance,  they  move  and  shake  the  lustrous  ground,. 
Their  symphonies  throughout  the  heavens  resound ; 
They  praise,  they  worship,  name  the  Holy  One 
Whom  they  behold  upon  MerchahaN s Throne, 

Though  not  His  beams,  the  purest  of  the  pure, 

Ev’n  they  undazzled  may  a space  endure. 

XVIII. 

“ While  they  thus  warbling  to  their  sports  proceed 
My  guides  and  I,  resuming  straight  our  speed. 

The  highest  mountain  of  that  world  ascend 
And  on  its  crown  of  fiery  jewels  we  land. 

Here  Deborah  in  kindly  words  to  me : 

‘Desire  not,  oh,  Sol,  yet  more  to  see 

Than  thou  from  hence  canst  of  yon  spheres  behold. 

Which  light  and  mysteries  profound  infold. 


154 


Amid  the  blest  who  in  this  Zion  bide 
Thou  shalt  be  crowned,  a young,  immortal  bride. 
When  more  than  now  thou  wilt  of  worlds  descry, 
And  more  of  wonders  in  yon  upper  sky ; 

For  endless,  awful  is  the  starry  space 
Above  our  circle,  known  the  Spheres  of  Grace. 
Merchahah  there  infinitely  doth  rise, 

Jehovah’s  Throne,  embracing  all  the  skies! 

Now  if  thy  breast  some  ardent  vows  conceal. 

Ere  down  we  speed,  these  vows  to  us  reveal.’ 

And  I,  as  guiltless  child  who  dares  not  prove 
His  innocence  to  win  a parent’s  love. 

At  length  takes  heart,  and,  as  he  opes  his  lips. 

He  sighing  speaks,  and  speaking  pleads  and  weeps. 
So  I my  tears  allowed  once  more  to  run. 

And  pleading  thus,  with  heaving  breast,  began : 

XIX. 

‘‘  ^ Oh,  star  of  Persia,  once  by  him  adored. 

Who,  thee  to  please,  did  break  his  royal  word; 

And  thou,  Lapidoth,  who  a realm  subdued, 

And  won  the  crown  of  brilliant  womanhood. 

Since  to  seraphim  mortal  breasts  reveal 
Their  secret  longings  and  their  ardent  zeal, 

You  know  the  gratitude  for  you  I feel, 

A maid  whose  virtues  cannot  justly  claim 
Of  coming  ages  your  immortal  fame. 

But  pardon  when,  yet  sharing  in  their  throes, 

I rue  the  fierceness  of  our  brethren’s  woes. 

Who  breast  a globe  of  unrelenting  foes, 

A dolorous  subsistance  scarce  can  find. 

While  praying  for,  and  blessing  human  kind  I 
How  long  shall  Israel  remain,  oh  say. 

Of  brutes  he  strives  to  humanize  the  prey ! 

Have  seraphim  no  power  here  above 


155 


To  plead  for  beings  whom  on  earth  they  love, 

And  spare  mankind  the  infamous  digrace 
Of  outraging  the  chosen  priestly  race  ? 

There  is  redemption  in  the  stores  of  Time 
For  human  suffering,  sinfulness,  and  crime; 
There  is  reward  for  every  wrong  sustained, 
Auspicious  hours  for  every  soul  disdained. 

And  Isreal  doth  meekly  hear  his  wrong. 

But  now  and  then  exclaim:  Oh,  Lord,  how  long! ’ 


XX. 

^‘‘Beloved  of  Heaven,  beatified,  sweet  Sol, 
Bestrain  thy  tears,  thy  inward  grief  control. 

And,  like  our  people,  bear  with  patience  meek 
Our  brethren’s  fate,  nor  explanation  seek 
Of  things  the  seraphim  but  half  conceive. 

Who  more  than  mortals  know,  still  more  believe. 
They  born  the  spiritual  man  to  frame 
Must  not  for  pleasures  thirst,  but  deathless  fame; 
For  to  the  dreamer  more  his  dreams  are  worth 
Than  gross  enjoyment  to  the  great  on  earth; 

And  they  who  ease  to  duty  sacrifice 
Are  nearest  Him,  who  rules  the  boundless  skies. 
The  days,  the  moons,  the  years,  and  ages  speed. 
The  thoughtless  creature  doth  his  doom  not  heed. 
Not  keep  unstained  the  bright  celestial  ray 
Exempt  from  change,  mortality,  decay. 

But  yields  to  matter’s  overwhelming  sway. 

Till  lost  to  shame,  and  of  a soul  impure, 

The  good  and  virtuous  he  cannot  endure! 

His  father’s  darling,  Joseph,  stirr’d  the  hate 
In  brothers’  heart  who  tried  to  seal  his  fate. 

And  sold  their  best  to  their  immense  disgrace. 

Yet  he  saved  them,  the  savior  of  his  race; 
Remorseful  then  before  the  slave  they  bowed. 


156 


The  shameful  treason  weeping  they  avowed; 
With  them  he  w’ept,  their  treason  he  forgave, 
Their  gracious  lord,  each  one  his  willing  slave ; 

So  Israel  with  heaven-chosen  seed 
Ungrateful  nations  lovingly  doth  feed. 

And  bow  they  shall  before  that  race  august 
Who  lead  the  present  as  they  lea  the  past, 

The  knights  of  truth,  the  ministers  of  light, 

The  thinker’s  awe,  the  champions  of  right ! ’ 

XXI. 

“ ‘ So  far,  not  farther,  child ! ’ I heard  them  say, 
‘Go  where  thy  body  doth  in  darkness  lay; 

Thy  friends  awaiting,  sorrowing  there  stand. 

Thy  friend,  thy  lover  weeps,  descend,  descend ! 

At  this  deep  sadness  did  my  soul  invade, 

My  guides  forsook  me  and  the  stars  did  fade ; 
Methought  I fell  astonishingly  fast. 

Around  me  night  her  gloomy  shades  did  cast. 
Would  I could  weep  and  thus  my  bosom  free 
Of  gnawing  pain,  heart-writhing  misery ! 

Why  must  the  innocent,  the  babe  new-born 
Sustain  the  woes  of  this  obscure  sojourn. 

Be  like  a leaflet  fallen  from  a tree. 

An  unmanned  vessel  hurled  by  the  sea, 

A restless  pilgrim  destined  by  his  birth 
To  weather  storm,  temptation  brave  on  earth ! 
Such  thoughts  my  sadness  on  the  mind  did  urge. 
When  from  the  dark  I saw  ye  both  emerge. 

And  thanked  the  Lord,  who  from  his  funds  above 
Bestowed  on  man  the  heavenly  gift  of  love. 

This  ends  my  vision  full  of  dread  and  bliss. 

The  endless  space  is  fraught  with  mysteries; 

My  soul  is  yearning  for  the  blessed  skies, 

A child  of  woe  untimely  never  dies.” 


157 


XXII. 


The  maiden  ends  her  awe-inspiring  dream, 

Her  friends  are  mute,  and  both  astonished  seem; 
The  sceptic  youth,  who  miracles  disdains. 
Ascribed  the  vision  to  excited  brains. 

Not  thus  Elias  of  the  vision  thought. 

And  revelations  in  the  tale  he  sought; 

For  He  who  prophets  with  the  truth  inspires. 
The  poet’s  soul  with  sacred  thrilling  fires. 

Why  should  He  not  reward  a martyr’s  zeal. 

Not  in  a vision  mysteries  reveal  ? 

Ben  Zion  saw  in  his  enchanting  bride 
Her  guides  and  seraphim  personified ; 

To  dreamy  realms  he  never  longed  to  rise. 

For  earth  with  Sol  to  him  seemed  Paradise. 

To  think  with  him  he  strove  to  win  the  maid, 
Suasively  he  spoke,  and  this  he  said : 

XXIII. 

“Not  ready  as  thou  art,  oh  dove,  am  I 
To  scale  with  thee  the  vast,  mysterious  sky, 
Though,  in  thy  grave  to  rest,  I fain  would  die; 
For  never  can  me  hope  or  pleasure  meet. 

Without  thy  love,  thy  smile,  attachment  sweet. 
Instead  of  brooding  over  fancies  dim. 

Let  cheerful  prospects  be  our  present  theme. 

Let  sunny  hope  our  hearts  enclose,  and  pluck; 
Nor  hate  thy  life  before  thy  hour  is  struck. 
Whatever  comes  when  we  from  here  depart. 

No  one  dies  timely  who  doth  break  a heart. 

And  many  hearts,  now  bleeding  for  thy  sake. 

At  thy  departure  would  forever  break. 

But  for  my  parent  to  my  soul  endeared, 

A senseless  race  this  life  to  me  appeared. 


158 


Till  love  hath  taught  me  what  I have  to  lose 
Since  thee  my  soul  to  be  her  image  choose. 

Wilt  thou  resistless  thus  thy  loving  one 
Lamenting,  hopeless  leave  beneath  alone? 

Thy  great  resolve  and  self-denying  zeal, 

Thy  faith  in  truth  with  unstained  blood  to  seal. 
No  world  can  more  than  I myself  admire; 

For  truth  we  live,  for  truth  we  should  expire  ! 

Yet  speak  of  death  not,  think  of  thy  defense. 

And  be  prepared  to  prove  thy  innocence; 

Expose  vile  Infamy,  outrageous  Lie, 

Enticement  scorn,  all  menaces  defy. 

Thy  rights  assert,  not  unresisting  die  ! 

We  go  to  Fez,  and  will  our  means  not  spare 
In  winning  Moors  who  may  assist  us  there 
And  thus  effect  thy  invaluable  release. 

Which  will  the  storm  in  many  breasts  appease!  ” 

XXIV. 

Who  lives  to  say  the  wringings  of  a heart. 

That  from  the  dearest  must  forever  part  I 
The  warrior’s  widow  wailing  in  the  field. 

The  cold  hand  kissing  which  her  home  did  shield; 
The  infant’s  mother  who  with  anguished  raves 
To  see  her  child  inhumed  amid  the  graves; 

And  all  the  losses  nursing  mad  despair 
Are  strongly  felt  by  you,  ill-fated  pair ! 

Them  wise  Elias  now  in  mute  distress 
With  fondest  ardors  views  each  other  press  ! 

The  sage  pathetic  at  the  entrance  stood; 

Though  time  hath  chill’d  the  fever  of  his  blood. 
He  knew  the  rule  that  sways  the  youthful  sense. 
The  rashness,  love,  the  hate  and  pains  intense. 
Now,  as  the  scream  of  some  demoniac  owl 
That  startles  man  with  his  unearthly  howl. 


159 


So  coarse 'and  sudden  bid  the  friends  to  start 
A husky  voice,  which  cried:  “Depart,  depart  ! 
They  tarried  not,  Elias  urged  to  run. 

Ere  dawn  would  gray,  the  vanguard  of  the  sun. 
The  Moor,  impatient,  lest  the  break  of  day 
The  Hebrews’  presence  would  to  all  betray. 
Renewed  his  call:  “Be  gone,  ye  Jews,  away  ! ” 

Oh  cruel  friend,  who  would  no  second  wait, 

But  stepp’d  between  the  pair  to  separate 
The  fondest  bosoms  love  has  ever  rent ! 

He  soothed  the  girl,  and  with  the  youth  he  went. 
Who  kissed  his  bride  and  sobbing  left  the  tent. 

The  brightening  east  announced  the  youngest  day^ 
The  youth  walked  silent,  and  the  old  did  pray; 

He  prayed  in  Moses’  and  J esaiah’s  tongue. 

He  sung  the  psalms  and  slowly  march’d  along; 

The  rising  sphere  his  mellow  splendors  rayed. 

His  prayers  ending,  this  Elias  said: 

XXV. 

“ Behold  how  mild  the  early,  sunny  flood 
Is  shed  on  mount  and  valley,  fleld  and  wood; 

The  tree,  the  leaf,  the  blade,  the  sparkling  flower 
The  love  proclaim  of  the  supremest  Power, 

And  all  the  warbling  flocks  their  throats  combine 
To  trill  the  glories  of  the  One  benign! 

By  instinct  led  dumb  creatures  And  delight. 

While  man  with  others  and  himself  doth  flght. 
And  seldom  knows  contentment,  joyance  mild, 

As  if  he  were  the  wildest  of  the  wild! 

To  Him  is  will,  to  him  is  reason  given. 

To  him  the  earth,  to  him  the  light  of  heaven. 

Yet  discontented  with  what  he  receives. 

With  all  he  hath,  with  all  his  mind  achieves, 

He  could  not  rest  if  all  this  world  were  his 


160 


But  one  beside,  who  with  him  shared  in  this. 

Would  st  thou  not  with  our  sages  coincide, 

Who  think  him  richest  who  is  satisfied 
With  what  this  life  in  passing  for  him  brings; 

And  wisest  him  who  more  believes  than  thinks  ? 
That  is  not  wisdom  which  in  doubt  doth  end, 

Sweet  human  happiness  to  mar  doth  tend, 

The  azure’s  smile  with  mourning  palls  doth  robe^ 
The  light  obscures  and  makes  a jail  this  globe. 

W’hy  long  the  ocean’s  fearful  deeps  to  sound. 

Why  thirst  for  treasures  in  that  black  profound 
Where  fearful  sights  the  precious  gems  surround  ?' 
The  ocean  cross  upon  the  playing  wave. 

With  trust  in  Heaven  the  blowing  tempest  brave,, 
And  stand  a man  in  shipwreck’s  dreadful  hour 
When  gulfs  do  ope  thy  phantoms  to  devour! 

I stood  life’s  storm;  my  faith  supported  me 
Against  the  brunt  of  fierce  adversity!” 

XXVI. 

“ Thy  lip  speaks  wisdom,”  straight  the  youth  began,, 
‘‘  Would  I could  say : ‘ I bore  it  like  a man ! ’ 

But  what  I bear  are  agonies  that  last, 

Thy  sorrows,  griefs  are  trials  of  the  past ; 

And  then  how  reach  the  sky-confiding  trust! 

Ah,  happy  thou  who  seest  a goal  in  life 
Where  I behold  but  jarring,  noisy  strife;  . 

A world  of  tyrants,  hypocrites,  and  knaves,, 

Of  pedants,  dupes,  of  Epicures  and  slaves. 

Who  think  the  stars  were  kindled  for  their  sake  T 
Oh,  may  these  dreamers  never  thus  awake 
And,  like  me,  find  their  sorrowful  mistake ! 

Him  not  who  looks  beyond  this  world’s  profile 
Imagination’s  golden  webs  beguile; 

Him  singing  birds,  and  green,  and  colors  fair. 


11 


161 


This  planet’s  wealth,  the  reign  of  earth  and  air, 

The  star-lit  vault,  all,  as  a brilliant  pall, 

One  truth  proclaim — Man  like  the  beast  must  fall ! 
What  though  we  pleasures  seek,  and  pomp,  and  fame, 
On  love  and  virtue  glowingly  declaim, 

Alas,  where  bides  the  fortunate  who  can 
Them  call  his  own,  where  dwells  that  happy  man ! 
Satiety  blunts  the  zest  of  all  our  joys. 

In  part  we  taste  delights  of  sweetest  choice, 

Aloue  adversity  in  full  we  meet, 

Our  joys  are  half,  our  sorrows  are  complete! 

A sombre  task  it  is,  forsooth,  to  see, 

And  play  oneself  perforce  the  tragedy 
The  sons  of  Eve  upon  the  stage  of  Time 
Must  represent  in  every  age  and  clime. 

Who  know  full  well  that  when  they  leave  the  scene 
Their  struggling  offsprings  must  the  play  begin! 
Who  is  the  wise  and  who  the  fool,  no  mind 
That  ever  wrought  and  thought  for  human  kind 
Hath  to  the  point  successfully  defined. 

Of  course,  the  doctors  in  their  bulky  lore 
In  nature’s  bosom  plunge  and  all  explore; 

The  land,  the  air,  the  water,  all  they  try 
To  analyze  and  subtly  specify; 

The  origin  of  things,  the  human  race 
To  times  remote  they  wisely  backw^ard  trace. 

And  by  this  method  they  did  much  acquire 
Who  claim  the  ape  to  be  their  oldest  sire. 

Nor  hope  for  aught  when  once  they  shall  expire. 

If  this  be  true,  then  let  us  man  deplore, 

If  this  be  false,  what  gods  shall  we  adore  ? 

No  gods  they  worship  who  presume  to  think. 

But  crowds  untaught  before  some  idol  sink ! 

From  darkness  sprung,  to  darkness  we  return. 

In  dark  we  grope,  in  vain  for  truth  we  burn. 


162 


Where  is  the  aim  of  what  we  seem  to  see  ? 

Ourselves  and  all  remain  a mystery ! 

But  why  unmanly  thus  of  fate  complain, 

When  thought  is  grief,  remonstrances  are  pain !” 
Though  full  of  trust  in  the  supernal  guide, 

Elias  doubt  in  thinkers  justified; 

Yet  thus  correcting  the  unresting  youth 
He  calmly  championed  the  cause  of  truth. 

XXVII. 

“ I am  the  last  my  reason’s  gates  to  shut, 

The  last  to  nurse  blind  faith,  devoid  of  thought. 
For  thus  our  fathers  say,  who  wisdom  taught : 

‘ He  knoweth  not  the  statutes  of  the  Lord, 

Who  cannot  reason  to  His  Law  accord; 

The  angel  who  to  Providence  man  links. 

The  angel  is  the  mind,  the  mind  that  thinks.’ 

But  few,  1 grant,  in  our  diurnal  feud 
The  prickings  of  misfortune  can  elude; 

But  sprung  from  naught,  short-sighted,  who  are  we 
To  judge  of  Heaven’s  ways,  our  destiny ! 

We  suffer,  true,  deserve  we  more,  explain ! 

Why  claim  we  over  earth  and  beast  domain  ? 

To  satisfy  our  wants,  to  glut  our  greed 
The  land,  the  oceans  yield,  the  beast  must  bleed. 
And  sun  and  moon  and  all  the  orbs  on  high 
Must  rise  and  set  our  comforts  to  supply, 

While  we,  ungrateful,  never  cease  to  sigh; 

Enjoy  the  gifts,  and  murmur,  croak,  and  groan. 
And  the  great  Giver  fainly  would  dethrone! 
Thyself  hast  seen  what  after  hundred  ages 
The  doubters  know,  that  school  of  monkey-sages, 
Who  throw  their  dignity,  their  faith  away, 

Deem  tailed  baboons  nor  more  nor  less  than  they ! 
With  doubting  in  man’s  knowledge  I began 


163 


The  wisest  portion  of  this  race  to  run; 

The  soul  and  heart  of  those  who  pains  endure 
Religiousness  alone  and  prayers  cure. 

If  suffering  here  thou  canst  not  lift  thy  mind, 
In  Fortune’s  arms  thou  faith  wilt  never  find. 
What  do  to  tranquilize  a stormy  breast  V 
The  conscience  tells,  the  prophet  saith  the  rest. 
Support  the  widow,  the  orphan’s  rights  defend, 
The  hungry  feed,  the  helpless  do  attend ; 

The  naked  clothe,  the  captive  do  release, 

Rely  on  Heaven — here  is  the  source  of  peace! 
The  sight  of  nature  will  then  bright  appear, 
The  fair  repute  the  gladdened  soul  will  cheer. 
And  age  and  night,  and  death  can  raise  no  fear 
In  one  unspotted  who  departeth  hence 
With  love  from  all,  with  calm  of  conscience. 
And  these  true  principles,  thy  best,  thy  own. 
Our  people’s  boast,  to  every  Hebrew  known. 
More  worthy  are  of  Hazan’s  only  heir. 

Than  sterile  doubt,  the  offshoot  of  despair. 
‘Diffusing  light  God-given  by  discourse 
And  unresisting  argument,  by  force 
Of  love  and  charity,  is  glory  pure 
Nor  kingly  triumphs  can,  nor  time  obscure. 

A god-like  attribute  possesses  man. 

Who  with  his  lofty  mind,  his  earnings  can 
Uncounted  beings  raise  above  the  brute. 

What  beast  possesses  such  an  attribute ! 
Jehovah  gives  and  mortal  man  can  give. 

And  be,  like  God,  to  him  who  doth  receive 
The  timely  help  from  a well-doing  soul. 

The  maxims  leading  to  the  noblest  goal.’ 

Well  said,  my  son,  a god-like  gift  it  is; 

May  ever  be  thy  soul  imbued  with  this !” 


• 164 


XXVIII. 


Ben  Zion,  smiling,  shook  Elias’  hand. 

He  lovod  the  sage,  his  venerable  friend. 

Exhausted  by  a sleepless  night  and  long 
Fatigues  they,  slow  and  silent,  walk’d  along 
The  dusty  road  until  they  came  across 
A wood,  shady,  delicious,  cool,  with  moss 
And  grass  and  flowers;  here  on  a turfy  spot 
They  found  repose;  the  atmosphere  grew  hot. 

The  chirping  fledglings  nestled  in  the  trees. 

Among  the  flowers,  the  butterflies,  the  bees. 

The  humming-birds,  and  thousand  kinds  at  least 
Of  flies  and  worms  did  on  the  herbage  feast. 

The  tired  wanderers  lulled  in  sweetest  dreams. 

Now  on  a sudden  startled  at  the  screams 
And  vulgar  imprecations  which  did  break 
The  quarter’s  quiet,  and  the  air  did  shake. 

Sol’s  escort  was  it  which  they  saw  in  full 

Afar  pass  by ; the  maiden  on  a mule 

Was  seated,  followed  by  her  lover’s  eye 

Who  sadly  cried:  “ Good  bye,  oh,  dear,  good  bye!  ” 

Then,  speeding  onward,  they  did  Fez  behold 

Resplendent  in  the  sun’s  sufifusing  gold. 

The  town  they  entered  both  as  Moors  disguised. 

No  one  in  them  the  Hebrews  recognized, 

^ Until  amid  their  brethren  they  did  stand, 

And  were  received  with  friendly  heart  and  hand. 

The  rabbis  and  the  elders  hasty  came. 

Each  eagerly  one  of  the  guests  did  claim, 

But  rabbi  Serfaty,  the  sheik,  and 
Jedidiah  Monsoniego,  his  hoar  friend, 

Among  them  did  the  honored  guests  divide. 

Jedidiah  speaking  scarce  his  joy  could  hide 
That  in  his  house  the  messenger  would  bide : 


165 


‘‘  Ay,  ay ! ” the  pastor  spoke,  benignautly, 

“Did  ever  such  two  wanderers  agree. 

The  holy  Talmud  and  philosophy  ? 

The  messenger  from  holy  soil  I bless. 

And  thee,  my  son,  of  English  thought  not  less. 

I oft  beseech  the  Lord  for  Albion’s  might, 

Who  hath  a word  for  our  infringed  right. 

Long  years  ago  I heard  the  people  say 
That  Kazan’s  boy  in  foreign  schools  did  stay ; 

But  never  did  I hope  the  youth  to  see. 

Whose  presence  now  confirms  once  more  to  me 
The  wisdom  of  our  sages  saying : ‘ Two  men 

May  meet  in  life,  two  mountains  never  can.’ 

Thou  knowest  much,  I guess,  but  canst  know  more 
There  are  deep  wonders  in  our  sacred  lore; 

Of  every  science  it  contains  the  gist. 

The  wisest  sage  is  sure  the  Talmudist.” 


So  spoke  the  oldest  minister  of  them 
Whose  heart  and  soul  long’d  for  Jerusalem ; 

Who  lived  a life  of  wretchedness  extreme. 

And  hoped  Messiah  would  them  soon  redeem. 
But  when  Elias  did  the  purpose  tell. 

Why  they  were  there,  and  what  the  maid  befell. 
All  cheer  did  vanish,  and  all  brows  grew  dim. 
And  grief  and  fear  became  the  current  theme; 
Dark  stories  now  of  recent  and  of  old 
By  many  elders  to  the  guests  were  told. 

“The  Lord  of  Israel  can  save!”  exclaimed 
The  hoary  Monsoniego,  all  inflamed 
With  boundles  trust  in  Him  who  rules  the  skies; 
He  spoke  the  word  with  bright,  upturned  eyes, 
And  all  the  rabbis  and  the  elders  grave 
Did  cry : “ The  Lord  of  Isreal  can  save ! ” 


166 


I. 


The  Lord  of  Israel  can  save  ! ” repeat 
The  friends  and  neighbors  who  conversing  meet, 
And  joined  hurry  to  salute  the  guests, 

Whose  place,  meanwhile  a curious  crowd  invests. 
Compassionately  in  the  maiden’s  fate 
By  sighs  and  vows  and  hopes  participate 
The  female  partners  of  th6  Jewish  wrongs, 

Who  likewise  gather  in  retired  throngs. 

The  bridegroom  praise,  and  for  the  maiden  pray. 
Whom  Heaven  may  aid  upon  her  thorny  way. 
Where  Sol  resides  none  of  the  Hebrews  knows. 
The  Mellali’s  gates  are  shut  when  dark  it  grows; 
Bor  night  must  not,  so  wills  the  cruel  Moor, 

The  Jew  behold  beyond  his  quarter’s  door; 

And  just  did  vanish  from  the  mortal’s  view 
The  source  of  day,  and  every  beam  withdrew. 

In  twilight  still  conversing  of  the  times 
Jedidiah  meant,  that  naught  surpass’d  the  crimes 
Of  Moslem  outrage  sanctioned  by  the  laws. 
Which  treated  Israelites  as  alien  foes. 

In  Egypt  scarce  the  bondage  had  been  worse 
Than  here  ! for  nor  on  stately  mule  nor  horse 
In  town  the  Hebrew  was  allowed  to  ride; 

In  filthy  quarters  he  was  doom’d  to  bide; 

His  daughters  he  from  Moorish  lust  must  hide; 


16S 


Beyond  his  gate  he  must  barefooted  walk, 

Before  a court  he  had  no  right  to  talk 
As  witness;  nor  to  lift  a manly  hand 
Against  assault  his  manhood  to  defend. 

At  princely  births  the  laws  did  him  require 
To  dower  richly  the  insatiate  sire. 

The  soldier’s  wear  poor  Jewish  girls  must  mend, 

And  those  were  hogg’d  who  would  not  straight  attend. 
In  such  a strain  the  elders  more  or  less 
Did  to  the  strangers  all  their  pains  confess, 

And  had  still  longer  outlined  their  distress. 

Had  not  Serfaty  thought  it  time  and  wise. 

By  takings  leave,  to  make  the  others  rise. 

^‘To-morrow,”  said  he,  “we  together  come; 

Our  friends  must  rest,  thus  let  us  now  go  home. 

I take  the  youth,  the  messenger  bide  here. 

The  rugged  lanes  may  hurt  the  old,  I fear.” 

II. 

“ The  sheik  left,  the  others  followed  soon. 

The  eve  was  dark,  there  was  nor  star  nor  moon; 

Upon  his  way  Serfaty  met  the  brave 

And  faithful  watchmen,  whom  he  orders  gave. 

And  soon  behind  him  closed  the  heavy  door; 

Deep  silence  ruled;  there  was  a breeze,  no  more. 

Some  hours  did  pass,  it  was  the  ghostly  hour 
When,  as  from  lion’s  breast  the  dreadful  roar, 

A manly  voice  came  sounding  forth  with  might, 

And,  spreading  fast,  made  fearful  solemn  night. 

It  was  a deep-felt  mourning,  stirring  call 
Which  did  the  unaccustomed  ear  appall. 

And  move  the  spiritual  regions  high. 

The  feeling  bosom  caused  to  heave  and  sigh. 

J edidiah  was  it  who  in  sackcloth  wrapt 
Thus  Zion’s  fall  lamenting  loudly  wept: 


169 


“ oil  Zion,  Zion,  thou  nnwedded  bride. 

Thou  scene  of  mourning,  where  the  juckals  bide; 
Unholy  feet  thy  sacred  soil  profane. 

Thy  heirs,  alas,  do  yearn  for  thee  in  vain  ! 

How  darkens  every  hour  thy  lovely  face. 

An  Eden  once,  how  barren  now  thy  space  ! 

Not  milk  and  honey  from  thy  bosom  flow, 

But  thorns  and  thistles  in  abundance  grow, 

Where  fruits  were  blooming  of  delicious  kind 
On  crystal  streams,  where  stony  channels  wind ! 

For  thee  the  residents  of  Goshen  fought,’ 

For  thee  they  bled,  they  fell — they  viewed  thee  not, 
But  oh ! that  thou  wouldst  be  their  offspring’s  clime- 
They  hoped — a hope  not  realized  by  time ! 

For  scattered  over  all  the  spacious  globe 
They  wear  the  exile’s  brand,  the  mourner’s  robe ! 

Our  sons  are  broken  by  the  tyrant’s  force. 

Our  daughter’s  shame  than  all  our  ills  are  worse. 

We  upward  gaze  and  see  a clouded  sky, 

And  find  no  peace  until  we  sink  and  die ! 

The  weather-beaten  vessel  finds  a strand; 

There  is  no  creature  living  on  the  land 
But  hath  some  hiding  spot  for  rest  secure. 

Save  Zion’s  orphans,  who  the  worst  endure! 

But  Thou,  oh  Lord,  well  knowest  what  is  best. 

In  Thee  we  trust.  Thy  name  be  ever  blest!  ” 

III 

Then  from  the  floor  hoar  Monsoniego  rose. 

And  from  a shelf  of  many  tomes  he  chose 
A giant  volume  which  he  Open  laid 
And  in  it  read  and  mused;  each  line  he  weigh’d,. 
Each  word  he  ponder’d  ov’r  with  pensive  brow. 

A world  of  legend,  fable,  and  of  law 
On  every  sacred  page  he  treasured  saw, 


And  deem’d  that  lore  wherein  the  wise  converse 
The  truest  mirror  of  the  universe. 

For  never  sages  lived  nor  ever  will, 

Like  those  who  did  the  holy  Talmud  fill 
With  wisdom  due  to  superhuman  thought, 

With  what  Elijah  from  the  heavens  brought. 

Next  to  this  lore  Jedidiah  did  profess 
A boundless  awe  for  great  Maimonides, 

Whose  erudition,  ethics,  and  advice 
The  lad  embodies,  like  an  edifice 
Of  stones  and  metals  dug  from  every  ground. 
Diverse  in  hue,  but  marvelously  sound. 

The  parent,  child,  the  husband,  wife,  the  bride. 
The  teacher,  man,  the  sinner  finds  a guide 
In  that  prodigious  work  Jedidiah  read 
With  spectacles  on  nose  and  covered  head. 

Until  his  taper  paled  before  the  day, 

When  to  his  Lord  the  minister  did  pray. 

Two  score  of  years  with  priestly  firmness  he 
Sustained  his  flock  in  dire  calamity. 

He  taught  the  youth,  the  Law  divine  he  preached. 
With  hope  and  faith  he  every  heart  enriched. 

And  stood  consoling  at  the  patient’s  bed. 
Conveyed  to  heavens  the  departing  dead . 

Twelve  years  ago  the  ruling  Shereef  came 
His  parent’s  throne  and  all  his  rights  to  claim; 

The  prince  was  crowned,  the  empire  did  bow 
And  every  tribe  came  homage  him  to  show. 

Who  deigned  the  Hebrews  friendly  to  receive. 
When  they  arrived  rich  presents  him  to  give. 

But  them  a crowd,  as  homeward  they  advanced. 
With  stones  assaulted  and  with  javelins  lanced; 
Three  elders  died,  Jedidiah  on  the  ground. 
Unconscious,  wounded,  by  his  sons  was  found. 
Who  bravely  at  the  fatal  scene  arrived 


171 


To  save  their  sire,  whom  they  soon  revived. 

A lovely  daughter  and  a babe  he  had, 

His  sons  were  absent,  and  his  wife  was  dead. 

IV. 

The  morrow  brightens  and  the  sun  doth  rise 
And  with  him  wakes  the  messenger,  the  wise, 
Serfaty  comes,  his  tidings  all  surprise ; 

As  he  begins,  they  think  the  sheik  sports, 
While  he  in  earnest  briefly  thus  reports : 

‘“My  news,  perchance,  will  doubt  in  you  arouse. 
Who  never  dreamt  that  in  sly  Bindris’  house 
A J ewess  would  with  honors  be  received. 

As  if  in  false  Mohammed  she  believed. 
Interpret  as  you  please  this  curious  sign, 

I see  behind  it  lurk  some  dark  design; 

Sure,  Veaki  Bindris,  hateful  and  astute. 

For  threats  and  force  devised  a substitute. 

How  shall  we  now  with  such  a problem  cope. 
Who  in  our  aid  can  call  but  faith  and  hope? 

If  we  petition,  we  beseech  in  vain, 

The  court,  the  emperor  the  Jew  disdain!  ” 

He  spoke  no  more,  for  just  the  youth  did  come 
To  say  that  waiting  at  the  sheik’s  home 
A slave  with  orders  from  the  palace  stood. 

With  urgent  orders,  so  he  understood. 

Serfaty  knew,  he  had  no  time  to  waste 
When  thus  required,  and  he  left  in  haste. 

V. 

Meanwhile  environed  with  a harem’s  ease, 

A train  of  slaves  whose  duty  was  to  please, 

Sol,  reticent,  suspectful,  grave,  sedate. 

But  little  seemed  the  gaudy  pomp  to  rate. 

And  all  attractions  offered  to  her  sense 


172 


She  did  requite  with  cold  indifference. 

“ Be  on  thy  guard,  they  are  not  genuine 
The  loves  and  friendships  of  a concubine, 

And  all  this  ostentatious,  dull  display 
Intended  is  thy  faith,  Sol,  to  betray. 

My  lover’s  word  more  magic  hath  for  me 
Than  all  the  charms  of  Moslem  gallantry. 

In  this  half-dim  voluptuous  abode, 

After  the  hardships  of  a painful  road, 

I am  undubitably  out  of  place. 

Unless  they  meditate  some  new  disgrace. 

But  I am  ready,  fools,  the  worst  to  face 
And  shall  defeat  whatever  you  devise 
My  faith,  my  love,  and  virtue  to  entice. 

No  innocence  to  such  a seat  retires. 

Where  ever  smoulder  most  unheavenly  fires 
Of  vice  the  day  is  loathe  to  shine  upon, 

Despite  of  luxury  these  ladies  don. 

This  air  of  attar  and  of  cinnamon. 

I would  they  brought  me  to  a jail  from  here, 
'Where  I could  breathe  a purer  atmosphere 
Than  this,  which  sickens  heart  and  soul  in  me. 
This  breath  of  lecherous  polygamy ! ” 

VI. 

Thus  when  alone,  the  maiden  spoke  and  thought. 
After  the  Nazir  fine  refections  brought. 

And  slaves  instructed  richly  her  to  dress 
In  silk  and  cashmere,  all  gratuitous. 

“ For,”  said  the  eunuch,  “ Buidris  ordered  me 
To  treat  thee  like  his  beauteous  company. 

Thine  eyelids,  nails  by  azure  tints  refined. 

Will  r.aise  thy  beauty  in  our  master’s  mind. 

Who  loves  the  fairest  of  the  female  kind. 

All  Fezzian  women  would,  forsooth,  be  proud 


173 


To  live  amid  his  chosen,  happy  crowd.” 

Sol  strove  against  it,  but  she  strove  in  vain, 

The  slaves  obeyed  the  eunuch  chamberlain; 

They  wash’d,  they  robed  her  in  a quaint  attire. 

Her  cheek  refresh’d  shone  like  a roseate  fire, 

The  tints  applied,  her  loveliness  made  rare. 

And  Bindris  thought,  she  was  the  fairest  fair. 

For  he,  the  potent  minister  of  state. 

Did  overhear  the  maiden’s  self-debate. 

Her  firm  resolve  enticement  to  evade, 

To  thwart  the  schemes  her  enemies  have  laid ; 

And  though  disheartened  he  at  once  retired 
By  her  unseen,  he  yet  the  girl  admired. 

He  durst  not  face  her  and  sustain  defeat. 

Ere  he  the  Sultan  did  in  council  meet ; 

Thus  early  he  proceeded  to  the  court 
And  of  the  issue  offered  his  report, 

Suggesting  there,  that  with  the  rabbis’  aid 
They  could,  perhaps,  the  lovely  girl  persuade. 

VII. 

Thus  call’d  is  Serfaty,  while  in  debate 
Engaged  the  elders  for  the  sheik  wait. 

“If  any  means  we  have,  why,  let  us  see 
If  we  in  using  them  may  well  agree. 

A zealot  is  the  Moor,  I know  too  well. 

And  will,  for  sure,  the  maid  by  force  compel. 
Perhaps  by  tortures,  thumbscrews,  thongs,  and  rods 
To  kneel  before  his  altars  and  his  gods. 

Yet  truly  menial  is  his  greedy  soul. 

And  base  enjoyment  seems  his  highest  goal. 

He  should  from  drink  and  worldliness  abstain ; 

His  Prophet  said,  they  were  the  Moslem’s  bane. 

So  teach  the  imans^  and  the  wine  they  swill; 

I oft  for  them  did  bellied  tankards  fill, 


174 


And  saw  them  drunk  and  wallow  like  the  swine, 
Their  slaves  iil-treat,  or  whip  some  concubine. 

He  IS  a sinner,  loathsome  and  abject; 

Know  you  a Moor  whom  coins  would  not  affect?” 
Pariente  thus,  the  wealthiest  of  them  all, 

A swarthy  figure,  pensive,  lean  and  tall. 

With  heavy  locks  and  eyebrows  long  and  gray; 

In  all  that  happened  much  he  had  to  say 
As  president  of  all  the  Fezzian  Jews; 

And  his  were  calm  and  independent  views. 

A merchant  was  he  of  all  sorts  of  wine 
In  France  fermented,  Spain,  and  on  the  Khine, 

And  from  his  cellar  tuns  of  wine  did  reach 
The  reverent  lips  which  did  in  mosques  preach. 

His  liquors  on  the  royal  table  stood, 

His  flagons  found  the  harem’s  womanhood; 

What  could,  thought  he,  not  such  a man  effect. 
Although  a Jew,  among  those  saint  Elect? 

In  this  Jedidiah  could  no  prudence  see 
And  begged  permission  thus  to  disagree : 

VIII. 

Consider  well  with  whom  we  have  to  deal, 

Our  foes  are  they  to  whom  we  must  appeal 
For  favors  bought,  and  promises  they  break, 

Though  ever  eager  heavy  bribes  to  take. 

How  much  it  costs  to  win  a menial  scribe ! 

Wilt  thou  the  Bindris  and  the  Shereefs  bribe? 

If  they  in  Tangier  wasted  sums  in  vain. 

We  reason  have  from  bribing  to  refrain; 

For  not  the  crown  a verdict  can  reverse 
The  imam  base  upon  a sacred  verse. 

And  they  in  Edris  and  in  Clmrouhin^ 

Those  hard-shelled  priests,  no  price,  no  gold  can  win. 
Them  fears  the  court,  and  them  the  Sultan  fears. 


175 


The  ruler  sinks  who  with  them  interferes. 

To  pray  and  suffer  is  the  Hebrew’s  lot, 

The  One  can  help  when  human  help  is  short.. 

If  He  did  not  the  maiden’s  fall  decree, 

She  will  to-morrow  or  to-day  be  free. 

On  Him  rely  who  made  the  sea  subside. 

And  threw  on  Egypt  the  devouring  tide; 

He,  full  of  wonders.  He  can  save  the  bride  !” 

J edidiah  spoke,  the  others  shook  consent. 

In  every  eye  there  gleam’d  discouragement; 
Dejected  round  him  now  the  bridegroom  gazed 
And  thus  complainingly  his  voice  he  raised: 


IX. 

Can  nothing  short  of  wonders  save  thee,  Sol, 
And  I am  here  to  witness,  love,  thy  fall ! 

Oh  friends,  to  count  on  wonders,  means  to  waive 
What  human  skill  and  effort  cannot  save; 

And  mine  is  not  the  soul  that  all  endures 
With  patient,  faith  in  miracles  that  cures. 

As  one  w^ho  eager  to  increase  by  stealth 
His  ample  means,  accumulated  wealth 
And,  while  his  safes  with  swelling  treasures  bursty. 
He  still  for  lucre  feels  a raving  thirst. 

And  would  all  nature  plunder  and  the  skies. 

His  peace,  himself  to  Mammon  sacrifice; 

So  I,  once  happy  in  my  parents’  home. 

Have  stolen  knowledge,  stolen  martyrdom. 

My  father  help’d  me  to  up  tear  the  fence 
Of  happy  faith,  still  happier  ignorance. 

And  now  that  vulture  on  my  brains  doth  feed,, 
Whose  talons  made  Prometheus’  liver  bleed  ! 

Nine  years  I spent  within  the  greatest  town 
The  earth  has  reared,  that  British  Babylon, 

Which,  as  the  heart  the  body  vivifies, 


176 


Whole  continents  with  liberty  supplies, 

And  of  the  learned  counts  a brilliant  throng 
Who  teach  the  wisdom  taught  in  every  tongue. 
Encouraged  thus  I many  tomes  have  read 
What  ancient  thinkers  and  the  modern  said, 

And  in  their  works  I cull’d  some  precious  gems. 
Some  truths,  much  doubt,  dissensions,  theorems; 
Each  striving  more  than  all  the  rest  to  show. 

The  one  to  laud,  the  others  to  overthrow. 

So  pass’d  my  schooldays  and  I am  adult. 

Doubt,  gloom,  and  pain  being  my  work’s  result. 
What  though  a Buddha  and  Socrates  lived, 

A Plato  taught,  a Moses  all  believed. 

Still  darkness,  vice  claim  here  unquestioned  rank,, 
Still  all  the  universe  presents  a blank 
With  something  in  it  awful,  dark,  and  deep 
As  our  dark  fate,  our  life’s  eternql  sleep  ! 

And  when  my  mother,  who  for  me  did  yearn, 

I saw  expire,  after  my  return. 

Then  paled  the  sun,  and,  seized  with  mad  despair,, 
I sank,  I wept,  and  long’d  to  follow  her. 

For  weeks  and  moons  my  tears  did  hotly  roll 
And,  like  Confucius,  none  could  me  console. 

At  last  a goddess  came  to  take  her  place, 

I met  her  blushing,  and  I loved  that  face 
Beaming  with  chastity’s  resistless  grace. 

I loving  felt  in  me  the  vital  flame 
Disperse  the  gloom,  my  soul  to  life  reclaim. 

But  these  bright  moments,  of  my  days  the  best 
Are  gone  forever,  alas  ! you  know  the  rest ! 
Without  my  Sol  I would  nor  live  nor  strive. 

If  she  must  fall,  I scarce  can  her  survive  ! 

One  being  yet  doth  chain  me  to  this  earth; 

My  love  he  claims,  to  whom  I owe  my  birth.’ ^ 


12 


177 


• X. 


“ Be  calm,  my  friends ! ” Serfaty  entering  said, 
‘‘I  bear  some  tidings,  but  they  seem  not  bad. 
Straightway  we  must  before  the  Shereef  stand 
To  learn  his  pleasure  or  his  high  command ; 

I guess  the  message  and  our  mission’s  end. 

It  Sol  concerns,  and  us  it  shall  behoove 
To  work  on  her  Mohammed’s  creed  to  love.” 

“ Not  bad!  ” Jedidiah  cried.  “If  so  it  be 
It  might  amount  to  a calamity 
For  us  constrained  the  maiden  to  convince. 
Betray  J ehovah  or  displease  the  prince ; 

The  Lord  protect  me  in  my  broken  age  1 ” 

“ Fear  not,  oh  friends  1 ” did  interrupt  the  sage 
Elias  ready  with  his  friends  to  go. 

“ The  girl  will  not  persuaded  be,  I know. 

If  none  objects  I will  with  you  proceed. 

And  am  prepared  for  you  the  word  to  lead. 

The  Sultan’s  orders  strictly  to  obey. 

Yet  nor  ourselves  nor  the  Supreme  betray. 

The  maid  knows  me,  I know  the  maid  too  well; 
My  presence  will  all  doubt  in  her  dispel 
About  our  playing  a reluctant  part.” 

But  on  a sudden  by  Jedidiah’s  side 
His  daughter  stood,  all  pale  and  terrified; 

The  sleeping  babe  she  on  a pillow  laid. 

And  to  her  father  this  she  weeping  said : 

XI. 

“ Behold  your  babe,  behold  me  here  alone. 

Thy  sons,  my  brothers,  far  away  are  gone. 

And  thou  wilt  face  the  Moslems  fierce  and  grim, 
With  morbid  limbs,  and  eyes  with  age  so  dim! 
They  will,  perchance,  thy  silver  locks  again, 


178 


As  once  tky  head,  with  gore  and  dirt  distain ! 

Oh  never  go,  and  leave  me  in  despair, 

But  let  thy  daughter  all  thy  dangers  share. 

Disguis’d  as  youth  I follow  thee  to  court. 

Thy  shattered  frame  requires  some  support; 

Thou  canst  not  run,  thou  scarce  canst  walk  alone. 

Some  hole,  some  pebble,  might  prove  thy  tumbling- 
stone, 

While  I at  home,  oppress’d  by  dread  suspense, 

Might  find  my  sorrow  stronger  than  my  sense.” 

Ben  Zion  moved  within  his  inmost  soul, 

The  loving  daughter  tries  thus  to  console : 

XII. 

“Allay  thy  fears,  it  shall  my  pleasure  be 
To  bear  thy  parent  helping  company. 

And  as  my  sire  I should  sure  defend 
At  cost  of  life,  so  on  my  word  depend, 

That  what  a son  must  for  his  parents  dare, 

I for  thine  shall,  I solemnly  declare ! 

What  chance  to  see  my  bride  could  else  I seize ! 

No  means  suffice,  it  seems,  her  to  release. 

And  every  hour  the  dreadful  shades  increase 
That  hover  round  her  guiltless,  lovely  head 
Consigned  by  many  to  the  hopeless  dead ! 

If  I could  choose  then  I one  grave  with  her 
To  all  this  globe’s  unknown  wealth  would  prefer, 

But  one  afar  yet  bids  me  here  to  bide. 

My  impulse  not,  my  father’s  will  must  guide!” 
Impatient  now  the  Sheik  leads  the  way : 

“ Come  on,  come  on,  we  must  no  longer  stay, 

And  let  the  bridegroom  Monsoniego  aid, 

And  with  his  presence  cheer  the  godly  maid. 

Fear  not  a man  who  like  this  youth  is  trained; 

For  wisdom  holds  the  lower  temper  chained!  ” 

They  left,  behind  them  shut  Jedidiah’s  door. 


179 


The  messenger,  the  youth,  two  rabbis,  four 
In  all,  amid  a crowd  now  pass’d  the  gate, 

And  left  their  friends  behind  disconsolate. 

From  all  the  schools  the  children  issued  straight, 

The  temples  rung  with  cries  of  unstained  lips, 
Imploring  Him,  who  watching  never  sleeps, 

For  Sol  and  friends  whom  evil  could  betide; 

The  mothers  vowed,  and  likewise  for  the  bride 
The  bridegroom  and  the  pastors  Heaven  besought, 
And  for  the  temples  waxen  tapers  brought. 

XIII. 

Thus  prayed  the  infants  and  the  mothers  vowed. 
While  at  the  court  the  Hebrews  deeply  bowed 
Before  the  Shereef  in  profoundest  awe. 

And  in  compliance  with  Talmudic  law 
Jedidiah  leaning  on  the  youth  did  say: 

“ Be  blest,  our  Lord,  who  of  Thy  glorious  ray 
Dost  to  the  mortals  give  who  kingdoms  sway ! ” 

The  Sultan  now  the  Hebrews  sharply  scann’d 
And  thus  addressing  them,  gave  his  command : 

XIV. 

‘‘  Eegard  me,  J ews,  your  monarch’s  face  behold. 

Once  young  and  smooth,  now  wrinkled,  withered,  old 

Since  iron  walls,  a hero’s  fortitude 

Can  time’s  destruction  from  no  man  preclude. 

Still  more  than  beggars  rulers  have  to  sigh, 

To  please  the  rabble,  and  they,  too,  must  die ! 

But  faithful  Moslems,  when  they  pass  from  earth. 
Their  mortal  joys  exchange  for  heavenly  mirth ; 

On  floral  beds  with  singing  maids  repose. 

Immortal,  sweet,  and  fragrant  as  the  rose. 

Which  glowing  tolls,  perfuming  all  the  skies. 

When  seraphim  disport  in  Paradise; 


180 


Or  when  the  Tooba  Tree  of  Allah  showers 
On  saintly  souls  celestial  fruit  and  flowers. 

What  life  is  yours,  what  hope  when  death  shall  come  ? 
On  earth,  in  heavens  the  Hebrew  hath  no  home ! 

But  no,  why  waste  my  lungs  in  useless  speech, 

Him  teach  no  words,  whom  no  events  can  teach. 

Blind  Folly  laying  on  weak  minds  her  grasp, 

If  not  compeird,  will  not  her  grip  unclasp; 

And  not  conviction  to  enforce  I aim. 

But  of  your  fealty  I some  assurance  claim, 

A sacrifice  your  loyalty  to  test ; 

It  is  my  wish,  but  hear  it  as  behest. 

A Jewish  lass  in  Tangier  born  and  bred 
Declared  her  vow  the  Moslem  church  to  wed 
Before  a faithful  matron,  who  as  friend. 

To  serve  the  maiden,  did  her  help  extend. 

But  when  the  girl  before  the  Pasha  spoke 
She  did  her  vow  denyingly  revoke. 

And  thus  appeared  our  sacred  faith  to  mock. 

The  imam  think  the  case  is  very  grave. 

Conversion  only  can  the  Jewess  save. 

She  being  here,  it  shall  your  emprise  be 
To  bend  by  words  her  firm  persistency. 

At  Yeaki  Bindris’  you  the  maid  can  see; 

If  you  succeed  your  monarch  you  indebt; 

Be  loyal,  Jews,  that  is  the  task  I set!” 

Serfaty  bowed,  his  hand  upon  his  breast. 

And  thus  received  the  emperor’s  behest: 

XV. 

‘‘  Sherifiian  Majesty,  exalted  high 
By  Him  who  rules  the  star-adorned  sky. 

The  empire’s  law  is  to  the  Hebrew  law ! 

We  bow  our  heads  in  reverential  awe 
Before  our  Sultan’s  unresisted  will. 


181 


And  what  he  bids  we  hasten  to  fulfill. 

We  pressingly  the  maiden  will  advise 
Her  mind  to  change;  but  will  our  word  sufiice? 
She  might  persist,  and  we  the  victims  be 
Of  her  resolve,  her  firm  persistency. 

Pei  haps,  determined  danger  to  defy, . 

She  is  resolved  for  her  belief  to  die. 

Thus  may  Thy  Grace  a witness  delegate 
Our  honest  zeal  impartially  to  rate, 

Confirm  our  efforts  bloodshed  to  prevent 
Till  all  persuasion,  all  attempts  are  spent.’’ 

XVI. 

A gracious  nodding  on  the  Shereef’s  part 
Impels  the  Israelites  to  bow  and  start 
For  Bindris’  house  on  V ad-el- J uh ar' s bank, 

A mansion  high,  as  he  is  high  in  rank. 

But  now  arriving  at  his  bolted  gate 
The  Hebrews  stand  and  for  admission  wait. 

This  moment  seizing  old  Jedidiah  groans 
And  this  he  speaks  in  melancholy  tones: 

“ How  shall  we,  friends,  a soul  to  ours  akin 
Deliver  thus  to  idolatry  and  sin  ? 

How  frame  a speech  appearing  false  to  her 
And  true,  sincere  to  the  minister, 

Who,  I am  sure,  will,  watching  us,  be  there  ? 
Such  art  of  speech  doth  not  to  me  belong. 

Who  nervous  am  and  impotent  of  tongue. 
Though  judge  I can,  expound  the  Law  divine, 
This  task,  Serfaty,  I to  thee  resign, 

Or  to  our  wiser  friend  from  Palestine.” 

xviii 

No  sooner  ended  he  than  in  the  door 

Which  open  sprung,  there  stood  a colored  Moor, 


182 


Beckoning  them  the  threshold  straight  to  pass 
Into  a fore-yard  full  of  shade  and  grass. 

Then  through  a vault  beneath  the  house  they  trod. 
And  reach’d  the  park  of  the  moresque  abode, 

A seat  of  ease  aroma  did  increase, 

Of  spicy  herbs,  of  citron,  olive-trees. 

Which  blooming  swell’d  the  cool,  delicious  breeze. 
Amid  a maze  of  plants  and  ivy  nets 
The  muttering  and  limpid  rivulets, 

Like  serpents  winding  through  a flowery  mead, 
Did  glitter,  flitter,  roam  and  foam,  and  speed, 

And  shone  like  silver  veins  within  the  shades, 

The  falls  like  crystal  leaping  in  cascades. 

The  leafy  roof,  the  myrtle,  palm,  the  springs, 

The  floral  shows,  the  streamlets’  murmurings, 

The  singing  birds,  the  scoffing  parrot’s  scream, 

The  fruit  which  like  Hesperian  fruit  did  gleam. 
That  park  did  change  into  a seat  of  dream. 

XVIII. 

On  tortuous  pathways  through  the  garden’s  maze 
The  Hebrews  onward  march’d  with  searching  gaze. 
The  alleys  penetrating  all  around. 

Until  they  spied  a lady  on  the  ground. 

In  rich  attire  anigh  a fount  alone 
Sol  dreaming,  drowsy,  sat  upon  a stone. 

Her  eunuchs  to  this  quarter  early  brought. 
Wherefore?  the  maiden  reasons  vainly  sought; 
Uneasiness  her  soul  did  agitate. 

And  hours  she  spent  in  this  deserted  state. 

To  fearful  doubts  delivered,  chain’d,  though  free. 
In  all  the  torments  of  uncertainty. 

On  that  delectable,  sequestered  spot 
She  of  her  lover  and  her  parents  thought; 

An  irresistible  longing  seized  her  heart, 


183 


She  muttered  sadly:  “Yet,  we  must— i^e  part!  ” 
The  braciug  cool,  the  aromatic  air 
At  last  nepenthes  wafted  to  the  fair, 

Who,  slumbering  and  dreaming,  her  distress 
Did  bury  in  oblivious  drowsiness. 

She  of  her  lover  dreamed — but  there  he  stood! 
Was  he  a demon  sent  her  to  delude. 

Or  turn  her  brains  in  shady  solitude  ? 

No,  he  was  it,  Ben  Zion,  who  stood  there; 

Beside  him  gazed  the  friendly  messenger. 

And  other  two  with  grave  inposiog  sight, 

Each  one  a venerable  Israelite. 

Oh  joy,  oh  pain,  can  ye  two  wedded  rest 
A moment  peaceful  in  the  sighing  breast  V 
No,  never  can  you  the  same  bosom  reign. 

Never,  never,  will  overwheming  pain 
Allow  sweet  joy  to  dwell  in  her  domain! 

Oh  blush  not,  smile  not,  Sol,  thy  friends  did  come 
But  to  confirm  thy  dark,  impending  doom ! 

For  just  there  Bindris  suddenly  appeared, 

Whom  more  than  Satan  all  the  Hebrews  feared; 
Apart  he  sate,  a slave  his  face  did  fan. 

While  thus  the  Sheik  his  discourse  began : 

XIX. 

“We  lead  the  Hebrews  of  this  famous  place 
Protected,  ruled  by  His  Sheriffian  Grace 
The  emperor — the  Lord  prolong  his  reign, 

And  let  this  country’s  enemies  be  slain ! — 

We  come  to  tell  thee,  that  a monarch’s  will 
His  loyal  subjects  must  in  all  fulfill; 

And  know,  oh  Sol,  that  our  injunctions  grave 
The  duty  urge  on  man  his  life  to  save 
At  any  cost,  religion  not  exempt; 

For  sin  means  yielding  to  such  things  as  tempt. 


Our  sages  wlio  the  sacred  Law  enforce, 

In  hours  of  peril  teach  another  course; 

There  is  no  rite  so  sacred  to  the  Jew 
As  human  life  endangered  to  rescue, 

And  thine,  we  know,  is  forfeited  if  thou 
Before  the  royal  mandate  wilt  not  bow. 

The  sovereign’s  will  obey,  to  whose  decree 
All  tribes  submic,  a land  bows  readily. 

Wilt  thou  alone  the  Sultan’s  wrath  defy 
And  with  thy  gore  the  hangman’s  weapon  dye  V 
So  young,  so  fair,  and  yet  so  obstinate ! 

Thou  darest  confront  inexorable  fate. 

In  lieu  of  pleasing  and  at  once  be  free. 

In  lieu  of  yielding  to  necessity. 

Neither  thy  parents  nor  thy  race  will  blame 
A step  not  branded  with  the  mark  of  shame. 

A case  it  is  that  leaves  no  other  choice 
Save  certain  death,  or  undisturbed  joys!  ” 
Sorfaty  thus  did  feign  Sol  to  deter. 

Who  now  did  listen  to  the  messenger: 

XX. 

‘‘Persist  not  longer  in  thy  firm  resolve, 

And  by  submission  this  hard  problem  solve; 
Obey  the  monarch  of  this  mighty  state. 
Submit,  submit  before  it  is  too  late! 

But  few  are  they  who  in  the  times  gone-by 
Triumphantly  did  for  conviction  die; 

Still  fewer  they  who  at  an  age  like  thine 
Did  c'arry  out  the  martyr’s  great  design ! 

Before  into  a gulf  a man  doth  leap 
He  should  consider  how  profound  the  deep. 
When  God  His  angel  to  the  mortal  sends. 

His  mowing  angel,  then,  at  all  events. 

With  nature  slack’ning  in  our  vital  veins. 


185 


With  reason  ebbing  in  our  shrinking  brains, 

We  tired,  weary  of  our  painful  toil, 

Lay  down,  returning  to  our  native  soil. 

But  in  the  morn  of  life  when  all  is  fire, 

The  hope,  the  hate,  the  vengeance,  the  desire. 
When  all  the  senses  claim  their  innate  right. 

The  world  doth  smile,  and  everything  is  bright. 
When  in  the  breast  the  tender  passions  burn. 

Who  would  thus  foolishly  to  dust  return  ? 

Who  would  not  rather  with  the  living  breathe 
Than  dying  grasp  for  the  immortal’s  wreath! 

Thus  re-consider  thy  important  act. 

By  Heaven  pardoned  and  thy  grateful  sect.” 
Approving  Bindris  shakes  his  turban’d  head 
As  if  to  say : “I  like,  Jews,  what  you  said.” 

But  Sol  aware  of  what  her  brethren  mean 
Her  prompt  reply  doth  cooly  thus  begin: 

XXI. 

“Your  learning  and  your  age  I do  revere. 

But  am  reluctant  that  my  open  ear 
Such  things  from  lights  in  Israel  must  hear. 

Can  men  ordained  to  be  select  divines. 

The  priests  of  truth,  the  bulwarks  of  our  shrines,. 
Thus  tamper  lightly  with  the  holiest  thing. 

And  not  disgrace  upon  their  calling  bring? 

The  shepherd  flying  from  the  lion’s  roar, 

From  wolves  and  tigers  which  his  lambs  devour. 
Without  attempt  the  bloody  beast  to  scare. 

Doth  he  deserve  the  shepherd’s  name  to  bear  ?’ 
Yet  worse  is  he  who  at  the  monster’s  sight 
Confounded,  trembling  in  his  mad  affright. 

Doth  wildly  cry,  appall  the  flock  and  quiver. 
Confuse  the  sheep,  and  them  to  death  deliver ! 

I in  my  girlhood  often  read  and  heard 


186 


That  ministers  with  shepherds  are  compared ; 
And,  judging  from  your  unconvincing  speech, 
You  teach  not,  rabbis,  what  you  ought  to  teach. 
If  not  to  help  me  you  are  hither  sent 
Why  rouse  in  me  undue  discouragement  ? 

My  parents  taught  me  them  to  honor  who 
Our  congregations  lead.  With  reverence  due 
I always  to  our  teachers  look’d  for  light; 

But  is  black  white,  because  they  call  it  white? 
By  training,  sentiment,  by  faith  and  birth 
I nothing  am,  or  what  I am  on  earth. 

I should  submit  to  what  the  Sultan  wills 
And  not  to  him,  who  all  the  heavens  fills ! 

And  what  is  life  preserved  for  others’  pleasure 
But  something  precious  in  a robber’s  treasure  ? 
Nor  will  I waive  my  faith  for  joy  or  gold, 

Nor  for  the  rank  despised  apostates  hold. 

For  honor,  truth  our  sires  lived  and  died 
I death  defy  as  they  have  death  defied ! ” 

Thus  gladly  baffled  homeward  paced  the  friends. 
Whom,  re-assuring,  Yeaki  Bindris  sends 
Away;  them  Sol  dejected  sees  depart. 

Despair  and  gloom  possess  her  mind  and  heart. 
Not  less  Ben  Zion’s  bosom  aches  and  bleeds. 
While  scheming  Bindris  to  the  court  proceeds. 


187 


Enormous  grows  the  crowd  who  watching  wait 
Their  chiefs’  return  before  the  Mellah’s  gate, 

And  as  the  pastors  just  appear  to  sight 
They  hail  their  coining  with  intense  delight. 

‘‘  Our  children  pray’d  to  Him  who  gladly  hears 
The  guiltless  voice,  and  loves  the  infant’s  tears ! ” 

The  mothers  cry,  and  hug  with  fond  embrace 
The  innocents  who  sang  the  sacred  lays; 

And  from  the  gate  until  Jedidiah’s  home 

One  cry  is  heard : “ They  come,  thank  God,  they  come ! ” 

But  as  excursionists  in  happy  mood. 

Disporting  cheerfully  through  glen  and  wood. 

Abate  their  mirth  at  seeing  clouds  on  high 
Obscuring  rapidly  the  beryl  sky. 

So,  like  a charm,  the  bridegroom’s  downcast  look 
Works  on  the  multitude  as  mild  rebuke, 

While  Serfaty,  the  Sheik,  gently  all 
Invites  their  demonstrations  to  control: 

‘‘  Give  not  this  day,  dear  friends,  in  such  degree 
To  unsound  joy,  undue  hilarity; 

Not  ours  the  triumph  is  when  all  is  gloom. 

When  we  inactive  must  confirm  her  doom. 

And  help  our  foes  their  selfish  ends  to  gain. 

Instead  of  helping  Sol  her  faith  sustain. 

Ye  hunt  for  news,  here  have  it  all  and  go. 


190 


Of  all  our  woes  it  is  the  newest  woe. 

Sol  as  a Jewess  hath  no  chance  to  live, 

She  is  constrain’d  her  life  or  faith  to  give. 
And  fully  trusting  the  supreme  Benign 
She  will  her  head  but  not  her  creed  resign. 
We  naught  can  do  for  her  but  fast  and  pray, 
Thus  let  to-morrow  be  our  fasting  day — 

A day  like  that  on  which  the  Holy  Land 
And  Zion  fell  through  Titus’  cruel  hand.” 


Meantime  old  Bindris  doth  his  master  reach 
And  of  the  maiden  speak  in  glowing  speech : 

“ In  Salee,  Tahlet,  Eabatt,  and  Fez, 

In  Mogadore,  Larache,  and  Mekinez — 

In  all  the  cities  which  the  Prophet  bless, 

There  bloom  sweet  flowers  of  virgin  loveliness. 
Maidens  resembling  Peris  full  of  bliss. 

Too  soft,  too  heavenly  for  a world  like  this ; 

Yet  not  this  land,  I dare  maintain,  a face 
Can  show  of  such  exuberance  of  grace 
As  that  unmatched  maid’s,  in  mien  and  eye 
An  erring  seraph  fallen  from  the  sky. 

Her  magic  look  a serpent  must  enchant, 

So  powerful  and  yet  so  innocent ! 

Even  beauty  tires  if  the  outward  shell 
Is  not  enhanced  by  the  resistless  spell 
Of  tuneful  suasion  fraught  with  wit  and  sense. 
Of  triumphs  won  by  sound  intelligence. 

I know  of  girls  who  the  Hamasa  read, 

Who  know  to  quote  what  great  Shanfarali  said, 
And  yet  their  speech  is  heavier  than  lead. 

Not  so  the  Jewess,  wing’d  with  lightning’s  flash 
An  opponent  in  cool  debate  to  crush. 

Without  an  effort  on  her  part  to  shine. 


191 


As  if  belonging  to  some  brilliant  line. 

The  urging  priests  she  point  by  point  did  meet 
With  reason’s  weight  their  reasons  to  defeat. 

Her  voice  is  music,  sound  is  every  term, 

Her  will  is  strong,  her  faith  as  iron  firm. 

To  be  a martyr  that  is  what  she  yearns, 

She  life  disdains  and  for  such  glory  burns. 

Nor  threats,  nor  tortures  would  her  nature  bend;, 
She  mocks  temptation,  and  I bafiled  stand 
To  learn,  oh  Sultan,  thy  supreme  command. 

What  shall  be  done  with  that  aberrant  soul 
Beyond  conviction’s  reach,  beyond  control?” 

III. 

‘‘We  have  no  choice  in  this  distasteful  case, 

No  right  in  favor  of  the  lass  to  raise 

Our  voice,  when  ’gainst  her  tends  our  sacred  lore,, 

Against  her  Allah  whom  we  all  adore  ! 

The  evidence  which  comes  from  faithful  source 
Doth  indicate  our  unavoidable  course 
Imposed  on  us  by  Islam’s  code  and  rite; 

We  owe  full  credence  to  the  Islamite. 

If  we  deceived  thus  guiltless  blood  do  shed, 

The  crime  rebounds  on  her  accuser’s  head 
On  whose  assertion  we  our  judgment  base. 

Our  great  Divan  shall  weigh  and  try  the  case; 

If  we  attempting  fail  in  all  our  ways 
And  means  the  maid’s  resolve  to  modify, 

Then  she  may  have  her  will,  then  let  her  die. 

We  know  the  stiff-neck’ d Jew  who  for  a throne 
Would  not  desert  his  jealous,  great,  his  only  One;. 
And  those  of  them  converted  to  our  creed 
Are  either  false  or  idiots  indeed. 

Let  any  of  our  princes  love  and  rank 
The  Jewess  offer,  she  will  him  not  thank. 


192 


But  as  a tempter  treat  him  with  a smile 
And  say,  perhaps,  No  prinee,  I am  not  vile,” 
Let  Salem  try  his  craft  of  winning  maids; 
Will  she  resist  if  her  my  boy  invades? 

What  saith  my  son?  Hath  he  the  pluck  to  vie 
In  wit  with  her,  confront  her  witchery?  ” 
With  inward  pleasure  thus  the  Sultan  moved 
His  youngest  heir,  his  dearest,  most  beloved. 
Who,  all  attention,  the  discussion  heard 
And  thus  his  sympathy  with  Sol  declared: 


“ Had  I the  power,  sire,  the  girl  to  judge 
I should  her  life,  her  liberty  not  grudge. 

Would  let  her  straightw^ay  to  her  home  return. 

To  parents,  friends,  who  for  the  maiden  yearn. 

Why  was  I punish’d  when  the  swallows  nest 
Within  our  stables,  where  the  fledgelings  rest, 

I lately  ruin’d  with  a pointed  pole 

And  saw  it  sink,  birds,  feathers,  straw  and  all? 

The  wise  ulema  red  with  anger  said: 

‘ Behold,  kind  prince,  the  fledgelings  there  are  dead, . 
Yon,  broken-hearted,  their  sad  mother  weeps. 

Who  else  along  the  airy  regions  sweeps 
For  her  dear  nurslings  to  procure  the  food; 

Why  didst  thou  slay  her  sweet,  her  helpless  brood?' 
Them  Allah  made  not  to  be  slain  by  thee. 

May  He  forgive  such  wanton  cruelty  ! ’ 

I saw  the  young  expiring  on  the  ground, 

I heard  the  mother’s  wailing,  mournful  soundv 
And  felt  my  heart  within  me  ache  and  fall, 

A deep  remorse  invade  my  inmost  soul. 

Can  birds  be  dearer  to  just  Allah  than 
The  infidels  who,  like  ourselves,  are  men? 

Are  not  the  tears  they  weep  like  ours  that  flow. 


193 


13 


The  Jewish  woes  not  like  the  Moslem’s  woe? 

Nor  death,  nor  torture,  would  thy  Salem  make 
His  principles,  his  father’s  creed  forsake. 

The  first,  the  holiest,  most  tremendous  oath 
The  Moslem  takes  is  faithlessness  to  loathe. 

To  die  for  Islam  at  the  cannon’s  mouth. 

Abhor  subjection  to  the  Infidel, 

Aid  base  allurements  manly  to  repel! 

In  battle  we  the  hostile  hero  praise. 

Why  pierce  the  heart  which  feels  for  creed  and  race  ? 
Such  are  my  feelings,  sire,  oh,  forgive. 

And  let  the  maiden  as  a Jewess  live. 

If  not  self-guided  she  would  faithful  turn. 

Let  her  to  Tangier  and  her  house  leturn.” 
Astonished  at  the  son  the  Shereef  looks 
And  thus  impatiently  the  prince  rebukes : 


“ What  know'st  thou,  boy,  of  what  is  right  or  wrong, 
When  using  freely  thy  uncurbed  tongue 
Thou  likenst  man  unto  a creature  blind. 

Devoid  of  reason,  choice,  devoid  of  mind! 

Who  counts  the  millions  of  the  faithful  heads. 

Who  from  the  regions  where  the  Niger  spreads 
To  Asia’s  east,  where  Chin  her  flags  unfurls. 

Thence  to  the  Punjab  and  the  isle  of  pearls, 
Mohammed  worship,  Allah’s  name  adore. 

In  myriad  mosques  teach  the  Koran’s  lore, 

Teach  infidels  acrimoniously  to  hate 
Whom,  but  for  power,  they  would  extirpate! 

For  bitter  rages  the  intestine  fight 
Betwixt  the  infidel  and  Islamite. 

No  peace,  as  long  as  faithless  tribes  decline 
To  seek  salvation  at  the  Prophet’s  Shrine ! 

Enough,  they  desecrate  our  sacred  land 


194 


Should  we  our  sanctuaries  not  defend 
Against  blasphemers  who  our  power  mock, 
Their  fetich  worship,  and  our  feelings  shock? 
From  age  to  age  we  sink  in  self-esteem, 

Too  weak  the  fallen  greatness  to  redeem 
Our  ancestors  by  feats  of  valor  won. 

Whom  nations  dreaded  on  Alhambra’s  throne. 
On  Sierra’s  summits  waved  their  banners  red. 
With  foeman’s  gore  they  colored  Ebro’s  bed. 
In  Africa,  in  Europe  they  did  reign ; 

What  are  we  now?  a shade  of  their  domain! 
Supremacy  abroad  we  cannot  boast. 

The  infidels  agress  and  seize  our  coast, 

Long  do  we  bear  the  Christian’s  tacit  hate. 
Should  still  the  J ew  wield  power  in  our  state. 
With  Mussulmans  the  selfsame  level  claim. 
And  thus  confirm  our  impotence,  our  shame  ? 
Thou  may’st  the  Jewess,  if  thou  wilt,  abord 
And  test  the  magic  of  a loving  word ; 

She  might  a princely  offer  not  decline 
To  be  his  first,  his  favorite  concubine. 

The  next  we  do,  in  case  she  yet  persists. 

Is  to  arrange  one  of  our  joyous  feasts. 

Have  in  our  mid  that  strange  unbending  maid 
And  try  ourself  from  death  her  to  dissuade. 

So  far  we  go  to  spare  her  rather  than 
Expose  her  to  the  rule  of  our  Divan.” 

VI. 

And  now  on  coursers  of  Arabian  breed 
The  prince  and  minister  at  once  proceed 
From  LallaJh  AlminaJs  delectable  place. 

The  airy  seat  of  His  Sheriflian  Grace 
The  Emperor,  to  Fas-el-djedid^  one 
Of  the  two  halves  of  the  imperial  town. 


195 


Two  miles  they  ride  across  a wondrous  land, 
Where  life  and  death  appear  their  work  to  blende 
Where  tombs  and  ruins  preach  the  mortal’s  end, 
And  fill  the  mind  with  irrepressible  gloom, 

While  boundless  gardens  in  exuberant  bloom 
With  odoriferous  gales  the  air  perfume. 

And  tuneful  birds  of  plumage  rich  and  gay 
Chase  insects,  butterflies,  as  if  to  say : 

“Here  life  and  death  are  ever  thus  at  play,” 

In  haste  they  trot  along  the  sinuous  lanes 
Of  Fas-el-bali,  across  the  caravans 
Of  camels  panting  with  extended  necks, 

Carrying  enormous  bales  upon  their  backs 
Of  what  the  merchants  in  Timbuctoo  buy 
Of  ostrich  feathers,  gold  and  ivory. 

And  then  before  Charoubin's  portals  they 
Arrest  their  course,  alight  and  Allah  pray, 

That  He  may  crown  his  effort  with  success, 

Who  longs  to  win  the  maid  by  gentleness. 

But  when  the  youth  beholds  the  maid  alone. 

He  feels  his  courage,  speech,  his  hope  all  gone. 
Could  Roiiris  beaming  with  celestial  glee 
Be  fairer,  sweeter,  lovelier  than  she 
Whose  eye  still  deeper  than  the  azure  seems, 
Whose  roseate  cheek  with  blushing  purple  gleams 
Besembling  Iris  kiss’d  by  Helios’  beams  ? 

Though  struck  wdth  wonder  he  doth  feel  the  flame 
Of  ardent  passion  coursing  through  his  frame; 

As  wondering  fawn  before  him  Sol  yon  stands. 

He  mutters,  stutters  ere  he  speech  commands. 

He  speaks  at  length,  his  lip  doth  overbrim 
With  honeyed  words,  for  love  inspires  him : 

VII. 

“ Look  not  at  me,  I fear  and  love  that  look 
Which  speaks  like  emblems  of  a magic  book, 


196 


■Conjuring  genii  who  disturbed  upstart 
And  stir  abysses  in  the  human  heart. 

Compassion  prompted  me  to  plead  for  thee, 

But  now,  oh  girl,  compassion  have  on  me 

Who,  though  thy  Sultan’s  heir,  stand  begging  here 

To  be  thy  slave,  and  thou  my  dearest  dear. 

Teach  me,  unyielding  soul,  teach  me  to  gain, 

To  move  the  love,  to  conquer  thy  disdain ! 

Would  Allah  helped  me  thee  to  convince. 

To  make  thee  princess  of  a loving  prince. 

As  this  aloue  can  save  thy  beauteous  head, 

Thy  life,  thy  happiness  else  forfeited ! 

Wouldst  thou  not  rather  my  companion  be 
Than  die  the  death  of  shame  and  misery  ? 

Oh  live,  it  is  so  sweet  to  see  the  sky. 

To  find  one’s  likeness  in  a lover’s  eye, 

To  be  of  palaces  the  precious  gem. 

And  wear  an  empire’s  queenly  diadem ! 

Or  wouldst  thou,  rather  than  at  court  abide, 

With  me  alone  a floral  bower  divide. 

An  arbor  hidden  in  a cypress  grove. 

In  shady  fragrance  cherish  turtle’s  love. 

As  Houris  do  in  Paradise  above  ? 

In  all,  in  all  thy  will  shall  be  the  mine 
If  to  my  love  thou  wilt  thyself  resign !” 

The  prince  perceives  the  maiden’s  great  surprise. 
And  hopes  that  Sol  reciprocates  his  sighs, 

But  she  with  heaving  bosom  thus  replies : 

YIII. 

“ Why  lavish,  noble  prince,  so  much  on  one 
Who  naught  except  her  faith  may  call  her  own, 
And  this  doth  value  more  than  rank  and  crown  ? 
Must  woman  ever  yield  to  man’s  design. 

And  him  to  please  her  holiest,  best  resign? 


197 


Hath  he  alone  the  courage  to  persist, 

To  use  his  sense,  his  weapon,  and  his  fist? 

If  he  the  honor  claims,  the  ruling  sway 
His  partner,  woman,  something  hath  to  say. 

Be  his  the  power,  hers  are  tears  and  sighs. 

She,  too,  hath  rights  and  for  her  rights  she  dies. 
Thus  thinks  the  Jewess  faithful  to  her  creed. 

Like  man  she  reasons,  and  for  truth  can  bleed. 
Should  I,  who  do  the  wiles  of  treason  loathe, 
Forget  my  people’s  irreversible  oath, 

That  binds  the  Hebrew  with  his  wealth  and  soul 
To  strive  for  virtue  here— his  highest  goal? 

Should  I a traitress  help  her  triumphs  earn. 
Against  my  race,  myself  a traitress  turn? 

Two  golden  rules  our  sages  do  suggest. 

Of  all  the  rules  these  two  I deem  the  best. 

Since  they  comprise  the  essence  of  the  rest. 

Be  not  too  hasty  others’  ways  to  hate, 

Ere  thine  are  better,  being  in  their  state; 

And  think,  ere  others  thou  wouldst  harshly  treat. 
How  thou  wouldst  feel  if  they  would  thee  so  meet.. 
But  what  are  maxims  to  the  Moslem’s  mind 
Whom  vain  conceit  and  selfish  purpose  blind  ! 

If  one  for  truth  expiring  is  not  he. 

Then  death  for  truth  he  deems  ignominy. 

Expect  not  me  to  conquer,  noble  prince, 

Whose  love  and  reason  cannot  Sol  convince. 

I rue  my  own,  I rue  my  people’s  wrongs. 

My  faith  is  firm,  my  heart  to  one  belongs 
Who  is  no  prince,  but  is  of  nature’s  sons. 

Of  nature’s  favorites  whom  wisdom  crowns. 

Yet  him  and  parents  I must  leave  and  die. 

For  truth  and  faith  I long  to  sanctify  ! ” 


198 


IX. 


The  prince  withdraws,  at  court  they  move  and  run 
As  on  the  Beiram  feast  of  Ramazan; 

Among  the  slaves,  behind  the  harem’s  veil 
Unusual  life  and  sprightliness  prevail; 

And  the  adornments  in  the  hall  of  state 
The  coming  soiree  do  indicate. 

An  eve  of  singing,  dancing,  pantomime 
Of  zels  and  cymbals  in  harmonious  chime. 

Now  as  the  sun  in  all  his  glory  sets 
The  pious  call  from  all  the  minarets 
Reminds  the  faithful  of  the  ending  day. 

Who  at  their  mosques  congregate  and  pray. 

But,  though  no  Muezzin  them  calls  aloud 
The  Hebrews  earlier  still  their  temples  crowd, 
Jehovah’s  unity  with  awe  proclaim. 

And  all  His  attributes  with  fervor  name. 

While  thus  they  pray  the  crimsoned  west  doth  pale. 
The  night  descends,  and  now  a gentle  gale 
Diffuses  freshness  through  the  murky  air. 

When  Sol  constrained,  attired  doth  repair 
To  LallaJi  Almina^s  palacious  halls 
Beyond  the  city’s  all-enclosing  walls. 


X. 

The  harem’s  preparations  are  complete 
And  now  from  this  voluptuous  retreat 
The  darus  scadet  aga  leads  a throng 
Of  kadins  queenly  in  their  look  along 
The  spacious  corridors  and  cool  arcades; 
Sweet  figures  light  and  soft  as  fairy  maids. 
The  central  hall  of  gorgeous  brilliancy 
Of  stuccc-work  and  finest  filigree. 

Where  easy  seats  beneath  grand  chandeliers 


199 


Pavilioned  stand  for  all  the  harem’s  fairs, 

Where  lilies,  roses,  hyacinths  are  spread. 

At  last  the  beauteous  charmers  nimbly  tread. 
And  here  unveil  ia  rich.  Oriental  dress 
Exquisite  types  of  female  loveliness. 

But  few  of  them  call  Barbary  their  home, 

For  many  beauties  from  those  regions  come 
Where  grows  the  Banyan  and  the  Mongo-tree, 
The  Ganges,  Tigris,  Nile,  the  Caspian  Sea 
Display  their  waves  of  crystal  brilliancy. 

In  fact,  it  seems  there  is  no  Moslem  clan 
From  Trebizond  to  Yemen,  Kordofan, 

That  would  not  gladly  in  the  honor  share 
Of  sending  some  adorable,  pious  fair 
Athwart  the  desert  lands,  athwart  the  sea 
To  bear  the  Shereef  loving  company. 

As  seem  the  stars  each  brighter  than  the  rest. 
So  every  sylph  appears  the  loveliest 
Of  all  who  enter  and  surprise  betray 
At  seeing  one  yet  lovelier  than  they. 

Yon  stands  the  J ewess  in  her  deep  distress 
Transcending  still  in  charming  gentleness. 

But  nor  the  luxury  of  the  lustrous  halls. 

The  alabaster  basins  and  the  falls 
Which  gushing  bubble  from  enameled  walls. 
Nor  gold  nor  gems  which  concubines  adoin. 
Abates  in  Sol  her  undiminished  scorn. 

Before  they  came  the  maiden,  left  alone. 
Against  a pillar  leaned  of  marble  stone; 

The  rich  abode  she  measured  with  a glance, 
Then  mute  and  thoughtful,  as  one  in  a trance, 
She  stood  in  sorrows,  fears,  and  visions  lost_, 
Until  disturbed  by  that  enchanting  host. 

Who,  whispering,  came  from  the  retreat  of  lust; 
Sol  eyed  the  kaihis  with  profound  disgust. 


A while  no  lip  of  the  astonished  host 
Did  ope  the  maiden  friendly  to  accost; 

Then  from  their  midst  a beauty  slim  and  tall 
In  kindly  accents  spoke  to  gentle  Sol: 

XI. 

“I  do  not  dare  thy  confidence  to  claim 
Before  I state  my  parentage,  my  name, 

Describe  to  thee  my  venturous  career. 

How  I did  win  and  lose  what  most  is  dear 
To  every  woman’s  heart  upon  this  earth 
Since  self-exiled  I fled  my  sire’s  hearth. 

In  Seville  born,  a child  of  rank  and  wealth, 

I loved  a humble  youth,  I loved  by  stealth; 

And  could  this  realm  I for  one  minute  buy 
Of  those  I spent  in  Pedro’s  company 
That  minute,  friend,  I surely  would  deny. 

So  sweet  are  seconds  in  a lover’s  arms. 

So  strong  is  love,  the  mightiest  of  charms! 

The  days  I hated,  longing  for  the  eves. 

When  in  our  garden  mid  the  lisping  leaves 
And  breathing  flowers  moved  by  a spicy  gale. 
Mid  tuneful  torrents  of  the  nightingale. 

We,  hidden  from  any  parents’  watchful  eye, 

Our  vows  repeated  with  an  inmost  sigh 
To  live  united  or  united  die. 

For  weeks  and  months  we  thus  our  love  indulged 
Until  we  thought  our  secret  was  divulged. 

And  knowing  well  my  dearest  could  not  wed 
A girl  of  rank,  I fled  with  him — we  fled. 

Begging  permission  early  to  retire, 

I kiss’d  my  mother,  kissed  my  loving  sire, 

But  through  a window  reacli’d  our  garden’s  end 
And  thence,  assisted  by  brave  Pedro’s  hand, 

I left  the  city  never  to  return. 


201 


Impeird  by  fate  implacable  and  stern ! 

Pursued,  denounced,  we  could  in  Spain  not  stay,. 
And  thus  at  night  we  to  the  nearest  bay 
On  foot  advanced;  we  had  no  time  to  waste; 

The  seashore  we  approach’d  in  burning  haste, 
Secured  a barge,  provisions  for  a week. 

And  straight  embark’d  a peaceful  nest  to  seek 
Among  some  countrypaen  on  Afric’s  strand. 

On  Moorish  soil  adjacent  to  our  land; 

For  more  than  waves  and  tempest  did  I fear 
My  sire’s  wrath  to  see,  his  voice  to  hear; 

And  stronger  than  all  fears  sweet  love  prevailed. 
And  so  propell’d  by  adverse  winds  we  sailed. 

We  sailed,  we  sailed,  the  gales  controlled  our  skiff 
And  dashing  hurled  us  against  yon  Eiff* 

Coast  where  inhospitable  pirates  wait 
For  shipwreck’d  infidels,  whose  common  fate 
Is  either  death  if  they  resistance  try. 

And  if  they  yield,  they  yield  to  slavery. 

This  was  our  fate;  for  driven  by  the  waves 
To  that  grim  tribe,  we  both  were  sold  as  slaves, 

I to  a pasha  and  was  hither  sent, 

My  lover  elsewhere  with  a chieftain  went, 

And  so  we  parted  with  our  bosoms  rent. 

In  vain  for  death  I then  besought  the  skies. 
Death  seldom  comes  to  one  who  fainly  dies; 

Fate  still  one  trial  had  for  me  in  store, 

I should  my  parents’  Lord  not  worship  more. 

Or  never  could  I pass  this  harem’s  door. 

Never  the  chain  rend  which  the  dear  enslaved, 
Whom  I adored,  who  perils  with  me  braved! 

Let  this  event  thy  sense  instruct,  oh  friend; 

Avert  thy  ruin,  learn  in  time  to  bend; 

Obey  the  Sultan  and  secure  his  love. 

Which  may  thy  people’s  trying  lot  improve!  ” 


202 


XII. 


Sol  made  no  answer,  given  to  surprise 
At  seeing  now  two  heavy  curtains  rise 
And  show  a scene  of  things  so  rare  and  strange 
That  but  genii  could  such  scenes  arrange. 

A maze  of  marvels  met  her  stounding  eye, 

A faint  reflection  of  Mohammed’s  sky; 

The  singing  Houris  who  the  faithful  greet 
And  let  them  pleasures  taste  divinely  sweet; 

The  shining  lake  of  which  a draught  is  life 
Eternal  to  the  souls,  who  from  their  strife 
Below  triumphantly  to  Allah  rise; 

The  crystal  bells  that  chime  in  Paradise,  ♦ 

And  all  delights  which  Moslem  longing  sway. 

Were  here  arrayed  in  picturesque  display. 

Deep  in  the  rear  upon  a lofty  throne 
A hoary  figure  sat,  on  head  a crown; 

He  wore  a mighty  beard  of  snowy  white. 

Enhancing  thus  the  wondrous,  mystic  sight. 

While  female  voices  with  sonorous  tunes. 

And  lutes  and  zeU  did  fill  the  vast  saloons. 

Down  paced  the  figure  with  an  air  serene 
And  strode  majestically  through  the  scene. 

Mid  lovely  witches  who  a passage  lined 
And  stood  with  rosy  cheeks  and  heads  inclined; 

Eor  he  who  strode  was  the  anointed  one. 

Great  Abderrahman  of  Morocco’s  throne. 

He  onward  strode  and  halted  just  before 
Two  veils  which  parted  and  revealed  a door 
To  an  adjoining,  unenlightened  room. 

Where  but  one  taper  broke  the  quiet  gloom. 

Here  staid  the  Shereef,  hither  Sol  was  led 
In  all  the  tinsel  of  a kaclin  clad. 

Two  beauteous  slaves  the  monarch’s  face  did  fan. 
While  condescendingly  he  thus  began: 


203 


XIII. 


“ Be  welcome,  daughter,  to  our  holy  court, 

Our  Beat  of  joy,  which  Allah  may  support! 

Be  this  thy  home  and  float  not  thus  adrift 
Nor  scorn  the  chance  that  may  to  rank  thee  lift; 
Why  thus  reject  the  hour’s  propitious  gift? 

The  sovereign  bows  before  the  stern  decree 
Of  accident  and  rough  necessity, 

And  vain  is  wealth,  vain  blood  the  armies  spill 
In  blind  resistance  to  just  Allah’s  will; 

But  subjects  dare  their  monarch’s  rule  defy. 

Dare  to  revolt,  revolt  to  justify! 

We  know  to  value  thy  unbending  sense. 
Persistence  is  the  Jew’s  inheritance. 

Whom  sentiments,  not  real  facts  do  lead 
When  he  is  clinging  to  a dying  creed. 

We  can  thee  raise,  oh  maiden,  on  a throne. 

Upon  thy  temples  we  can  place  a crown. 

But  if  the  Islam  thou  wilt  thus  disdain. 

To  save  thy  life  our  efPorts  would  be  vain; 

We  cannot  pardon  whom  our  faith  doth  doom; 
Thou  canst  disperse  thy  night’s  impending  gloom, 
Canst  break  thy  chain,  thy  prison’s  darkness  rend; 
There  is  no  power  here,  no  mighty  hand. 

Except  thy  own,  that  can  thy  life  defend!  ” 

Thus  ends  the  Shereef  and  the  maiden  sighs; 

He  is  attentive  when  she  thus  replies : 

XIV. 

“ If  Heaven  my  prayer  at  this  hour  would  grant 
I would  entreat  to  show  my  sentiment 
To  thee,  my  lord,  whose  mild  compassion  would 
Be  moved  for  me,  for  martyr’d  womanhood. 

The  golden  rule  our  ancient  sages  teach 
Is  to  avoid  unmeasured,  dooming  speech 


201 


Against  the  erring  whom  we  should  not  blame 
Till,  in  their  place,  we  save  ourselves  from  shame.. 

I do  thy  rule,  oh  Sultan,  not  defy. 

But  owe  allegiance  to  the  ruling  sky 
For  whom  my  sires  swore  to  live  and  die. 

Wouldst  thou  a son  condemn  who  strives  his  great,, 
His  glorious  ancestors  to  emulate? 

If  thou  couldst  Granada  re-conquer  now, 

Couldst  Spain  compel  before  thy  throne  to  bow. 
Conjure  again  the  golden  age  of  yore; 

Wouldst  thou  not  wage  a bloody,  bitter  war, 

ISot  risk  thy  army,  risk  thy  precious  life. 

Not  for  thy  fathers’  conquest  bravely  strife? 

Now,  ere  Granada  and  Alhambra  fell. 

The  Christian  ruler  vowed  all  to  expel 
From  town  and  land,  all  who  did  not  adore 
His  painted  gods,  whom  thus  to  please  he  swore. 

And,  flush’d  with  conquest,  spared  nor  Jew  nor  Moor. 
In  vain  for  mercy  myriads  did  appeal; 

They  had  to  go  who  would  like  him  not  kneel; 

And  they  who  feigned  submission  to  the  state 
Met  soon  a dark  excruciating  fate; 

For  Torquemada,  monster  of  his  age. 

By  fire  and  blood  appeased  his  frantic  rage ! 
Uncounted  victims  of  my  noble  sires 
Jehovah  blessed,  while  dying  in  slow  fires; 

And  thousands  hoping  that  the  Moor  would  treat 
With  mildness  those  who  shared  in  his  defeat, 

A refuge  sought  on  vast  Morocco’s  sod 
And  lived  devoted  to  their  only  God. 

From  these  unfortunates  descends  my  sire 
Who  for  his  faith  prepared  is  to  expire, 

And  him  to  equal  is  my  sole  desire. 

I count  on  mercy  not,  on  justice  scarce. 

Nor  shall  my  unstained  lip  the  traitress  curse. 


205 


Whose  infamy  no  words  can  qualify; 

But  reconciled  with  all  the  world  I die. 

Yet  one  request  thy  Majesty  may  grant; 

Oh,  may  no  painful  days,  as  those  I spent 
In  dungeons  dark  and  damp,  the  cadis  add 
Before  I face  the  threshold  of  the  dead  ! 

Oh,  let  to-morrow  from  the  earth  me  part, 
To-morrow  ease  my  bleeding,  weeping  heart; 
To-morrow  let  the  hangman  for  me  care; 

I can  my  own,  my  parents  woes  not  bear  ! ” 


The  Sultan  rose  and  this  he  gravely  said 
To  the  heroic  death-confronting  maid : 

“ If  speed  of  judgment  all  is  what  thou  hast 
To  ask  of  us  as  ultimate  request, 

We  grant  it  straight;  and,  ere  the  coming  day 
That  cheers  this  land  will  set  and  pass  away. 
Our  wise  Divan,  over  which  we  will  preside. 
Shall  meet,  consider,  and  thy  case  decide. 
Thou  throw’ st  away,  oh  maiden,  what  no  king 
Can  well  bestow;  life  is  a precious  thing 
To  one  who  blest  is  Avith  an  open  eye 
To  read  events  ordain’d  within  the  sky  ! ” 


206 


% 


mmm 


I. 

Now  rose  the  siin  in  all  his  glories  wrapt 
And  woke  old  Fez  till  dawn  in  silence  kept 
By  balmy  sleep  kind  nature  grants  to  all, 

Save  those  who  love,  and  those  who  wicked  fall. 
The  smile  of  peace  from  heavens  gleamed  adown 
To  greet  the  myriads  of  the  rising  town 
Still  cool  and  musky  with  the  gentle  breeze 
Of  healthy  fragrance  blooming  groves  release. 
Yea,  peace  and  health  did  reign  and  carols  sweet. 
For  lark  and  thrush  with  trills  the  light  did  greet,. 
And  all  the  wing’d  musicians  shared  the  song. 

Or  chirping  built  their  nests,  or  swept  along 
The  airy  gulfs,  delighted  to  behold 
The  fiery  orb,  the  ray  of  burning  gold. 

But  peace  and  mirth  can  scarce  one  morrow  rest 
Unruffled,  healing  in  the  mortal’s  breast. 

Where  thronging  passions  ceaselessly  contest 
Each  othei’s  sway,  and  vengeance  doth  maintain 
Ov’r  all  the  passions  her  supreme  domain. 

Yet  not  Ben  Zion’s  was  a raging  ire, 

A soul  of  Avhelming  wrath  and  wreakful  fire ; 

But  though  his  burning  wrongs  he  did  resent. 

On  bloody  vengeance  he  was  never  bent; 

For  in  his  Sol’s  outrageous,  vile  disgrace. 


208 


In  all  the  crimes  his  people  had  to  face, 

He  saw  the  shame  and  woe  of  all  the  race; 
He  questioned  thus  the  Author  of  all  things. 
Who  on  frail  man  intense  affliction  brings. 


‘‘  What  were,  oh  Power,  who  the  stars  commands. 
What  were  that  time  Thy  dark  mysterious  ends. 
When  darkness  Thou  didst  on  this  planet  break 
And  man  a secret  to  himself  didst  make? 

Why  didst  thou  him  with  mind  and  thought  endow. 
With  heavenly  reason  and  with  instincts  low? 

Nor  god  nor  beast  of  both  the  form  he  wears,, 

To  rank  himself  among  the  gods  he  dares. 

His  fancied  gods  who  rule  his  universe  ! 

And  since  a demi-god  he  claims  to  be 
He  holds  the  sea  and  land  as  monarchy. 

Still  ev’n  a world  as  Eden  rich  and  full 
Of  which  he  claims,  of  which  he  holds  the  rule. 
Doth  not  suffice  to  lift  him  far  above 
The  savage  beast  devoid  of  generous  love. 

How  jealous  he  of  all  his  fancied  rights; 

How  proud  when  he  for  independence  fights. 

With  gory  brand  the  vile  agressor  braves 
To  be  in  turn  a terror  to  such  slaves 
As  cling  to  life  with  all  the  woes  of  J ob. 

Abhorring  death,  the  scarecrow  of  the  mob.. 

From  such  afflictions  as  the  slave  oppress. 

From  tyrant’s  whip,  the  Moor’s  outrageousness, 

The  grave  seems  peace,  and  death  should  thus  suffice 
To  teach  blind  man  the  mercy  of  the  skies  ! 

The  mercy,  ah,  what  mercy  is  it  not 
With  loathful  reptiles  in  the  dust  to  rot. 

Supply  the  warm  with  soft,  delicious  food 
Of  god-like  man,  angelic  womanhood  ! 


14 


209 


Speak,  brazen  heavens,  be  not  forever  dumb, 
Your  vault  is  dreadful,  like  a marble  tomb, 
Which  countless  millions  of  the  writhing  race 
Holds  dead  or  dying  in  its  cold  embrace  ! 

Say,  what  is  sentiment,  what  reason  for 
If,  having  both,  we  crawl  for  evermore 
In  darkest  error,  seeking  in  vain  our  way  ! 

Like  bat  which,  blinded  by  the  glare  of  day. 
Abhors  the  sun  whom  all  the  creatures  bless 
And  thirsts  for  twilight,  longs  for  dreariness; 

So  man  in  dimness  of  a credulous  mind 
Alone  can  rest  and  sweet  contentment  find. 

But  since  my  dearest  finds  repose  in  thee, 

I bless  thee  thrice,  divine  Credulity ! 

III. 

But  thou,  oh  Sol,  not  born  to  subtilize, 

Bor  gentler  work  didst  from  thy  slumbers  rise, 
Brom  dreams  and  visions  of  sweet  Paradise. 

Oh  Baith,  thou  art  of  all  supernal  gifts 
The  one  which  soothing  loyal  souls  uplifts ! 

The  weak  by  thee  inspired  knows  no  fear, 

Bor  death  and  danger  hurtless  do  appear 
To  souls  imbued  with  never-ebbing  trust. 

With  fondest  hopes  in  the  beyond  to  last! 

Such  was  the  faith  of  the  heroic  maid 
Who  praying  thus  her  lofty  mind  betray’d: 

“ Again,  Omnipotent,  I speak  to  Thee 
Who  rollst  that  globe  athwart  infinity. 

That  fiery  sphere  of  such  refulgent  beam 
To  brighten  orbs  dependent  on  his  gleam ! 

His  light  it  is  which  man  to  earth  doth  wed 
With  chains  of  steel,  and  renders  death  a dread 
To  him,  too  blind,  alas ! to  see  afar 
More  blissful  worlds  than  this,  beyond  that  star! 


210 


My  heart  is  grateful  for  this  choicest  fate 
My  people’s  faith  by  death  to  consecrate, 

Seal  with  my  blood  the  truth  my  sires  spread, 
Who  shine  forever  among  the  glorious  dead! 
And  Thou,  who  didst  my  envious  fate  ordain, 
Oh  help  poor  Sol  her  trial  to  sustain. 

That  I,  who  long  Thine  sacrifice  to  be. 

May  die  with  peace,  depart  with  dignity !” 


Meanwhile  uneasiness  did  overcome 
The  elders  waiting  at  the  Sheik’s  home 
For  that  behest  the  Shereef  would  convey 
At  any  moment  of  the  cheerless  day. 

Since  word  was  early  sent  from  highest  source 
That  Moslem  justice  taking  was  her  course. 
That  all  the  Hebrew  worthies  should  be  nigh 
With  given  orders  promptly  to  comply. 

Twelve  thousand  souls  were  fasting  on  that  day 
And  all  combined  for  godly  Sol  did  pray. 
Though  all  regarded  her’s  a hopeless  case. 

If  she  declined  the  Islam  to  embrace ; 

Yet  gracious  Heaven  could  disperse  the  gloom. 
And  save  her  from  the  throes  of  martyrdom. 

‘‘  Yea,  He  who  spared  the  infant  on  the  flood. 
To  punish  Egypt  for  the  Hebrew’s  blood; 

Who  bid  the  surges  freeze  and  melt  again 
Our  people’s  faith  and  freedom  to  sustain. 

He  can,”  Jedidiah  Monsoniego  said, 

‘‘  He  can  yet  save  the  god-inspired  maid  I 
And  if  by  wonders  he  doth  her  not  save 
And  lets  descend  her  to  the  rayless  grave, 

She  goes  but  thither  where  we  all  must  go, 
When  fully  satiate  with  our  earthly  woe; 

And  happy  she  who  early  thus  eludes 


211 


Temptation’s  snares,  this  life’s  vicissitudes ! ” 
Thus  preaching,  speaking  to  his  pious  friends 
The  hoary  sage  the  early  forenoon  spends, 
While  now  and  then  his  gaze  roams  to  the  door 
Expectant  of  the  order  waited  for. 

His  colleagues  listen  with  a heavy  sense 
Wearied  by  the  impatience  of  suspense. 

But  now  Ben  Zion,  who  has  left  the  room, 

In  haste  appears,  to  learn  the  martyr’s  doom. 
Behind  him  close  a Moslem  figure  stands, 

A roll  of  paper  bearing  in  his  hands. 

Some  soldiers  now  emerge,  who  guard  the  door. 
And  thus,  his  message  reading,  quoth  the  Moor: 


V. 

“Hear,  Jews,  the  judgment  of  the  great  Divan, 
The  verdict  founded  on  true  Alcoran. 

Sol  Hachuel,  a Jewess,  broke  her  vow 
To  worship  Allah  as  she  worships  now 
The  God  who  deaf  is  to  her  bleating  cry. 

Who  grants  no  peace  on  earth,  nor  bliss  in  sky. 
Could  youthful  rashness  or  a sovereign’s  grace 
Such  heinous  blasphemy,  such  guilt  efface? 
But  expiating  death,  and  death  alone. 

For  such  enormous  trespass  can  atone  ! 

The  Jewess — thus  the  wisest  imam  say— 

The  Jewess  must  beheaded  sink  to-day. 

And,  following  our  sacred  Law’s  command. 

She  hath  a right,  before  she  meets  her  end, 
Before  by  hangman’s  hand  her  gore  is  spilled, 
To  have  a wish,  and  know  her  wish  fulfilled; 
Whereon,  when  asked  to  utter  her  desire. 

She  long’d  to  die  in  Jewish  death-attire. 

Be  dress’d  and  buried  by  her  brethren’s  side. 
And  hear  the  rabbis  pray  before  she  died. 


212 


She  hath  all  granted  by  the  Sultan’s  will, 

And  you  are  charg’d  her  wishes  to  fulfill. 

Six  hours  you  have,  in  time  you  must  be  there, 
And  as  she  wills,  must  minister  to  her!  ” 


With  drooped  head  Sol’s  fate  the  rabbis  hear. 
From  many  eyes  descends  the  sparkling  tear. 
And,  as  the  Moor  imperilously  withdraws. 

There  is  an  outburst  of  suppressed  woes; 

For  every  bosom  feels  for  her  not  less 
Than  parents  feel  for  children  in  distress. 

The  lingering  hope  that  Sol  would  yet  elude 
The  martyr’s  racks  makes  room  for  certitude. 
That  otherwise  Almighty  hath  decreed, 

Who  faithful  Israel  choose  for  truth  to  bleed. 
But,  while  the  rabbis  and  the  elders  cry. 

No  tear  relieves  the  staring  bridegroom’s  eye. 
Whose  inward  grief  and  agonies  of  mind 
Are  more  intense  than  all  the  pains  combin’d. 

He  stares  awile,  there  glimmer  in  his  stare 
The  spark  of  wrath,  the  madness  of  despair. 

VII. 

“ Such  are  thy  dealings,  monarch  of  this  earth. 
Thy  soul’s  delight,  that  flame  of  heavenly  birth  ! 
And  such  thy  love,”  Ben  Zion,  sneering,  says: 

“ Thy  monkey  love,  which  hugging  grimly  slays  1 
Oh  what  is  more  flagitious,  fraught  with  shame, 
Than  stabbing  innocence  in  Heaven’s  name. 

And  yet  with  gods  celestial  kinship  claim  1 
Truly  the  Moslem’s  faith  and  Christian’s  love 
Are  droll  enough  a Satan’s  mirth  to  move. 

But  then,  our  doctors,  our  divines  exclaim : 

‘ Have  patience,  soul,  in  racks  there  is  no  shame  1 ’ 


218 


‘ When  on  thy  marrow  Villainy  doth  feast, 

Have  patience,  patience,’  sings  the  moralist. 
Patience,  when  drowsy  pedants  gag  thy  yonth 
And  teach  thee  nonsense  as  supernal  truth; 
Patience,  when  bleeding  under  tyrant’s  lash 
Thou  writhing  seest  the  kindred  of  thy  flesh; 
When  gaunt  starvation  stares  thee  in  the  eye. 
When  truth  must  yield  to  arrogance  and  lie. 
When  crimes  are  heap’d  upon  thy  guiltless  head. 
And  wrongs  and  outrage  drive  thy  senses  mad; 
Nay,  when  all  the  mortal  woes  thyself  assail. 
Then,  god-like  creature,  patience  must  not  fail  1 
This  urges  man  above  his  gods  to  rise. 

Adopt  a virtue  they  themselves  despise. 

Who  shake  the  heavens  in  their  vengeful  ire 
And  hurl  on  foes  their  thunderbolts  of  fire  ! 
Why  should  man  better  than  his  Maker  be 
And  scorn  the  sense  of  sound  consistency? 

No,  patience,  thou  art  but  a priestly  birth. 
Unknown  in  heavens,  never  met  on  earth. 

Except  as  outcrop  of  a mind’s  disease; 

And  where  thou  art,  thou  art  but  cowardice. 
The  grave  of  manliness  no  passive  rest. 

No  patience  doth,  but  hardy  action  test  ! 

And  if  I cannot  with  a single  brand 
Avenge  my  wrongs  on  all  a hateful  land. 

No  shafts  of  steel  and  iron  balls  alone 
Have  wrought  destruction  for  a tyrant’s  throne; 
The  word  hath  done  what  weapons  never  can. 
The  cursing  cry  hath  proved  a dreadful  ban. 
Thus  hear  me,  Power  of  the  universe. 

With  favor  hear  me,  when  this  race  I curse ! 

Let  never  freedom  from  their  shackles  free 
These  cursed  tribes  of  hideous  infamy. 

Of  pleasures  vile  which  youth  and  age  deprave. 


214 


Of  hatred  they  ou  infant’s  brow  engrave ! 

May  ever  Moor  be  viler  than  the  brute; 

I May  treason,  murder  ever  constitute 

The  main  distinction  of  his  cursed  creed; 

May  through  his  tyrants  he  forever  bleed, 

A slave  of  slaves  in  deep  abjectness  bred, 

By  lying  priests  with  superstition  fed; 

May  never  light  him  from  his  sleep  arouse. 

But  gloom  and  hate  possess  his  heart  and  house ! ” 

VIII. 

“Enough,  oh  friends,  the  precious  minutes  fleet. 
Come  let  us  straight  the  saintly  maiden  meet ; 

Our  women  shall  her  death-attire  sew. 

Her  white  attire,  according  to  our  Law, 

And  wash  her  clean,  and  dress  her  for  the  bier; 

We  have  no  time,  no  moment  to  respire. 

Thou,  dearest  friend,  abstain  from  being  nigh 
Thine  godly  bride;  oh,  let  her  calmly  die!  ” 

The  Sheik  spoke,  and  this  Hazan’s  reply : 

“Hold,  man,  Ben  Zion  knows  himself,  his  Sol; 

We  can  our  woes,  our  ardent  love  control! 

Of  all  our  trials  we  sustain  the  weight, 

My  girl  can  bear  the  fierceness  of  her  fate, 

And  bear  it  lighter  when  her  love  she  sees 
* Before  she  leaves  this  vale  of  miseries!  ” 

The  Hebrews  go,  the  pious  matrons  come 
With  staff  and  needles  to  the  Sheik’s  home. 

They  stitch,  they  weep,  and,  ere  an  hour  doth  glide, 
The  garb  is  made  for  the  angelic  bride. 


Empyreal  power,  thou  who  on  thy  wings 
The  poet’s  soul  dost  carry  to  the  springs 
Whence  light  and  hope  and  consolation  flow 


215 


To  mitigate  the  mortal’s  ceaseless  woe; 

Thou,  Muse,  whose  eyes  the  buried  motives  see, 
Unveil  the  mind’s  remotest  secrecy. 

Say,  what  infernal  fiend  did  craze  the  brain 
Of  him  who  ruled  Morocco’s  vast  domain, 

When  he  that  black  behest  the  hangman  sent, 
Which  all  a mob's  unfeeling  bosom  rent ! 

None  but  that  raving  zeal  of  creed,  which  crimes 
And  havoc  spreads  since  immemrrial  times. 
Could  in  a heart  arouse  so  black  a scheme 
That  even  cannibals  would  cruel  deem 


Already  mass’d  around  the  Mellah^s  gate 
The  Moslem  dames  the  tragic  scene  await; 

The  roofs  are  crowded,  every  space  they  claim 
From  which  the  eye  can  view  the  scaffold’s  frame; 
They  wait  for  hours,  at  last  impatient  grow, 

Eager  at  once  to  see  the  fateful  show 
So  did  in  pagan  Kome  the  heartless  crowd 
The  gladiator’s  agonies  applaud; 

So  Spain  delights  to  see  blind  horses  torn 
And  disemboweled  sink  by  her  toros’  horn. 

Below  the  turban ’d  rabble  onward  press 
Laugh,  chatter,  mock,  and  their  contempt  express 
Of  Sol,  of  whom  the  faithful  crier  said,  • 

She  was  the  most  unsightly  Jewish  maid. 

At  length  a yelling  noise  and  then  a drum 
Tell  Jew  and  Moslem  that  Sol’s  hour  is  come. 

And  lo!  a multitude  of  slaves  in  black. 

Each  mounted  backward  on  a donkey’s  back, 

And  waving  in  his  hand  a shabby  flag 
Made  of  a crooked  stick  and  dirty  rag, 

Emerge  just  mocking  from  a narrow  lane. 

And  pave  the  way  for  the  approaching  train. 


216 


’Behind  them,  hooting,  come  a swarm  of  hags 
All  sounding  broken  bugles,  clad  in  rags 
And  wearing  masks  so  farcical  and  droll 
That  all  the  mob  convulsed  with  laughter  roll. 

So  sent  inquisitors  to  death  and  flame 

Their  martyr’d  victims  with  the  brand  of  shame, 

With  horrid  pictures  hoisted  on  black  poles 

To  dim  the  nimbus  of  heroic  souls 

And  now  the  Hebrews,  dignified,  appear; 

Their  look  doth  wear  the  marks  of  pain  and  fear; 
And  hinder  follows,  by  some  warriors  led, 

A fearful  sha]:  e wrapt  like  the  Jewish  dead; 

’The  crowd  is  silent,  fill’d  with  awful  dread. 

It  is  the  martyr  with  her  headsman  near; 

Her  eye  reposes  on  her  lover  dear. 

And  beams  but  peace  and  love  ; Sol  knows  no  fear. 
Her  lip  is  mute,  but  much  the  eye  can  say  ; 

Her  will  is  done,  she  hears  the  rabbis  pray. 

XI. 

A trumpet’s  wail  the  night-like  quiet  fills. 

And  every  breast  with  growing  tension  thrills  ; 

For  now  the  crier  on  the  scaffold  stands 
And  reads  the  verdict  in  his  tawny  hands. 

“ Hear,  Allah’s  faithful!  ” thus  the  herald  says; 

“ Hear,  holy  flock,  who  great  Mohammed  bless. 

This  infidel,  the  wise  Divan  decreed. 

This  Jewess  shall  by  headsman’s  falchion  bleed. 
For  sacrilegious,  dark,  blasphemous  guilt 
Her  soul  is  damned,  her  unclean  blood  is  spilt  1 
No  pious  heart  compassion  feel  with  her; 

Now  to  thy  task,  brave  executioner!  ” 

A rush,  a stretch  of  arm,  a cut,  a scream, 

A flashing  steel,  a move,  a gory  stream. 

Appall  the  throng  who  with  extreme  amaze 


217 


At  writhing  Sol  and  her  destroyer  gaze. 

Nor  dead  nor  living  she  yet  wields  her  breath, 
Though  struggling  hard  with  agonies  of  death. 
The  hangman  straight  his  hellish  end  betrays, 
When  thus  he  fiercely  to  the  martyr  says : 

‘‘  With  breath  in  thee,  oh  blinded  infidel. 

Our  faith  avow,  or  headlong  to  black  hell 
This  reeky  steel  shall  soon  thy  soul  dispatch! 
Speak  forth  thy  will  or  perish,  faithless  wretch! 
Whereat  in  cursing  speech,  before  she  dies, 

The  outraged  heroine  the  fiend  replies : 

“ Thou  monstrous  outcast  of  the  bloodiest  race 
Whom  treason,  murder,  lust,  and  rape  disgrace. 
Thy  bestial  instinct  follow  and  conclude 
Thy  craven  task  to  please  this  multitude. 

Who  ever  may  on  such  carousals  feast 
With  thee,  vile  slave,  still  viler  than  the  beast!  ” 
The  furious  Moslem  drives  his  fateful  brand 
Athwart  her  neck,  and  on  the  dusty  sand 
The  sever’d  head  doth  ghastly  drop  and  roll; 
Behind  it  straight  the  gory  frame  doth  fall. 

And  thus  departs  from  life  and  pain  sweet  Sol. — 
The  crowM  disperse,  the  rabbis  forward  straight 
The  martyr’s  relics  to  the  Mellah's  gate; 

They  reach  the  Mellah  and  straightway  prepare 
The  saintly  maid  with  honors  to  inter. 

While  tears  are  shed  and  prayers  said  for  her. 
The  women  come,  the  maidens  gather  round 
The  martyr  stretched  on  the  matted  ground. 

A humble  coffin  her  dead  form  receives. 

The  bridegroom  nears  her  and  his  breast  relieves 
Of  griping  anguish,  whelming  in  extreme. 

By  words  and  tears  descending  in  a stream. 


218 


XII. 


“ So  must  our  love,”  the  mourning  youth  began, 
Our  sweetest  hope  in  blossom  pale  and  wan, 

And  I behold  thy  soul’s  ethereal  light 

Thus  swallow’d  up  by  hopeless  shades  of  night ! 

Must  such  a being  dear  to  every  heart 

Thus  unavenged  through  bloody  hand  depart. 

And  I be  witness  of  thy  pure  career. 

And  see  thy  fall  with  naught,  except  the  tear 
To  wash  thy  frigid  frame,  distorted  face. 

This  morn  the  seat  of  gentleness  and  grace ! 

Oh,  speak ! my  dearest,  sweetest,  godliest  bride,. 
Can  death  forever  thus  two  souls  divide, 

Must  with  the  flesh  the  mind,  the  feeling  die? 

Oh,  a Jiell  I feel,  but  say,  is  there  a sky ! 

As  one  deserted  on  the  ocean’s  waves 
In  vain  the  storm,  the  billows’  fury  braves. 

And  thus,  deprived  of  compass,  helm  and  oar. 

He  sinks  confounded  by  the  tempest’s  roar; 

So  I am  straying  on  a shoreless  sea 

With  woes  and  throes  and  death  as  company! 

I sink,  I cry  for  help;  the  heavens  lour. 

The*  elements  destroy,  the  beasts  devour. 

And  man,  of  evil  conscious  and  of  good. 

Torments,  destroys  his  own  similitude! 

Step  forth,  wise  men,  come,  lead  the  way,  I go, 

I follow  you,  but  urge  not  what  I know 
To  be  an  outgrowth  of  a cloudy  time 
When  faith  is  father  to  atrocious  crime! 

The  chord  you  harp  upon  I know  too  well. 

It  sounds  to  me  like  music  in  the  hell 

You  trust  in  Justice,  here,  this  breathless  frame 

Speaks  loud  as  thunder — Justice  is  a name! 

Speak  not,  speak  not,  my  reason,  sight  grow  dim;. 
The  earth  does  shake,  the  heavens  reel  and  swim; 


219 


I grasp  around,  but  feel  no  saving  hand, 

The  surges  whelm,  the  ocean  hath  no  strand. 
The  abyss  opes,  into  its  womb  I roll, 

I sweep  adown,  but  millions  with  me  fall ! 

XIII. 

Close  at  the  coffin  wise  Elias  stood 
And  watch’d  Ben  Zion  in  desponding  mood; 
Paternal  sympathy  with  him  he  felt 
Whom  fate  a blow,  a heinous  blow  hath  dealt. 

A tear  descended  the  condoler's  cheek. 

While  he  prepared  in  accents  mild  to  speak. 

He  press’d  the  hands  of  Kazan's  fiery  son. 

And  spoke  to  him  in  solemn,  feeling  tone : 

XIV. 

Over  the  stage  of  this  creation’s  vast 
A veil  of  light  and  mystery  is  cast, 

The  origin,  the  end  of  man  is  dark. 

His  mind,  his  reason  is  a feeble  spark 
Of  that  supernal,  all-enlightening  blaze 
Which  dazzles,  blinds  his  dim,  terrestrial  gaze. 
In  vain  the  poet  to  his  muse  appeals; 

No  truth  divine  to  thinkers  thought  reveals; 

All  nature  yields  to  adamantine  sway. 

And  brute  and  man  this  nature’s  law  obey. 

Save  that  by  taming  her  dominion  he, 

Her  empire  restraining  may  be  free, 

May  rise  or  fall  according  to  his  will. 

The  sphere  of  action  he  prefers  to  fill. 

Since  man  the  fruit  of  wisdom  tasting  fell. 

That  wisdom  did  from  Eden  him  expel. 

From  peaceful  ease ; for  henceforth  all  is  gloom. 
His  birth,  his  end,  and  life  is  martyrdom. 

If  doubt  is  all  that  stirs  his  restless  soul. 


22J 


And  faith  and  virtue  are  to  him  no  goal ! 

My  spirit  wanders  through  the  endless  past, 

I count  the  races  and  I stand  aghast 
At  seeing  nations  rise  like  billows  vast, 

Convulse  the  earth  with  their  tremendous  force,. 
And  then  subside  to  end  a fameless  course. 

Amid  the  wreckage  of  unblessed  times 
I see  a fountain  in  the  Orient’s  climes 
Begin  to  bubble,  and  with  waters  pure 
A bleeding  world  of  their  distempers  cure, 

And  ages  who  by  flagrant  vices  fell 
I see  redeemed  hj  chosen  Israel  ! 

Mankind  he  conquers  not  by  fire  and  sword ; 

He  teaches  love,  he  conquers  by  the  word. 

A priest  is  he,  although  no  High-Priest’s  robe 
He  wears  when  blessing  the  ungrateful  globe. 
With  outspread  hands  and  all-enkindling  eyes,. 
He  turns  in  prayer  to  the  hopeful  skies ! 

Hail  Israel,  thy  fame  will  never  cease 
As  long  as  thou  art  messenger  of  peace. 

And  in  all  times,  in  hours  or  dark  or  bright 
The  eyes  are  turned  to  the  regions  of  light  ! 

But  woe  to  thee,  when  thou  to  menial  greed. 

To  blind  conceit,  dost  sacrifice  thy  creed; 

W’hen  unresisting  thou  at  vice  dost  smile. 

Thy  sacred  mission  dost,  thy  name  defile ! 

Then  send  us  prophets,  oh  supernal  Sire, 

That  they  with  shame  thy  erring  sons  inspire. 
Consume  corruption  with  their  tongues  of  fire  I 
Lament  not,  son,  that  Sol  is  now  above, 

In  radiant  realms  of  sweet,  immortal  love ; 

But  weep  that  she  with  her  ethereal  mind 
Left  to  her  lover  naught,  save  gloom  behind; 
That  she  no  faith  could  to  thy  breast  impart, 

Not  ease  of  anguish  thy  revolting  heart. 


221 


There  are,  there  must  be  blissful  worlds  on  high, 
And  like  this  planet  peopled  is  the  sky 
With  virtuous  beings  who  in  pious  thought, 

In  trust  and  virtue  consolation  sought. 

There  dwell  the  good,  and  there  our  sires  bide, 
There  smiles  in  bliss  thy  dear,  immortal  bride. 
Grieving,  perchance,  that  her  endeared  youth 
Thus  gropes  in  error,  while  he  yearns  for  truth.” 


END. 


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